European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) 2019
EAAD 2019 was marked on Monday 18 November, in partnership with WHO’s World Antibiotic Awareness Week (18-24 November 2019).
First-of-its kind survey reveals gaps in European healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes about antibiotics
Knowledge and awareness of antibiotic resistance and related issues is generally high among European healthcare workers, according to the first European survey to examine attitudes and behaviours in relation to antibiotic resistance in this group. However, the study also illustrates important knowledge gaps.
The study, published today, can serve as an important resource and baseline for EU/EEA countries when developing approaches and interventions to tackle antibiotic resistance, says the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), which commissioned the study.
Healthcare workers from all EU/EEA countries participated in the online study, Survey of healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about antibiotics, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, EU/EEA, 2019 , which included 43 questions. The objective was to gain a better understanding of healthcare workers' capabilities, opportunities and motivations around prudent antibiotic use in order to support future policy, education and communication interventions.
Annual updates on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption
On the occasion of EAAD 2019 ECDC releases its annual update on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption surveillance data from EU/EEA countries.
EU-level event
In cooperation with the European Commission, ECDC will host an EU-level event on Monday 18 November in Stockholm, Sweden. It is a platform for governmental institutions, professional and patient organisations, country representatives and media to come together and discuss the current situation regarding antibiotic resistance and the actions taken to address them by all stakeholders, both at EU/EEA and national levels.
Watch EU-level event online
The event will be live streamed on EAAD’s Facebook page on 18 November 2019 from 9.30 to 15.00 CET. Anyone can watch the event live and we encourage our viewers to interact in comments or to ask questions. All participants will be tweeting live using #EAAD2019 and people from around the globe can join remotely and ask questions through Twitter using the same hashtag.
Join the social media campaign
Eurosurveillance articles
Translated campaign materials
Facts and infographics on antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings based on the last-year point prevalence surveys in all EU/EEA languages.
This year's theme: Antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use in hospitals
About the Day
The European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) is marked on 18 November and is coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Every year, the EU Member States and European Economic Area (EEA) countries observe the day with awareness initiatives, events, and communication campaigns across Europe focused on antibiotic resistance and prudent use of antibiotics. This year marks the 12th European Antibiotic Awareness Day.