The overuse of antibiotics in Europe is a growing crisis, threatening our ability to fight infections. But which countries are leading the charge in antibiotic use, and what does this mean for the future? Let's dive in.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious issue. It happens when bacteria and viruses evolve, becoming resistant to the drugs we use to fight them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to more severe illnesses and even deaths. In fact, AMR is responsible for over 35,000 deaths annually in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
In response, the EU has set goals to reduce antibiotic use. In 2023, the EU Council urged member states to cut back on antibiotics and ensure that at least 65% of antibiotic use involves first-line treatments. However, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that these goals are not being met.
Across the EU, people took an average of 20.3 daily doses of antibiotics per 1,000 residents in 2024. This is 2% higher than the pre-pandemic baseline in 2019, and significantly above the EU's target of 15.9 daily doses by 2030.
But here's where it gets interesting: Antibiotic use varies greatly across Europe. In the past year, daily dose rates ranged from 9.8 in the Netherlands to 29.9 in Greece.
Why the big difference? It takes time for health guidelines to be implemented in hospitals and clinics, and some countries are further along in this process than others. Evelyne Jouvin Marche, who coordinates scientific research on antibiotic resistance at Inserm, explains that the rollout of these measures isn't uniform across all countries.
And this is the part most people miss: Since 2020, antibiotic use has increased in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, according to ECDC data.
The ECDC emphasizes the need to address unnecessary antibiotic use at all levels of healthcare. They suggest updating diagnostic practices and taking more steps to prevent and control infections. Other factors making the situation worse include the spread of drug-resistant pathogens across borders and Europe's aging population, which is more vulnerable to infections.
As individuals, we can also play a role. Using all prescribed medication when you have an infection is crucial. As Jouvin Marche points out, "You have exactly the dose of antibiotics you need to treat it."
What do you think? Are there specific policies that could help reduce antibiotic use? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Is there a need to increase awareness?
