European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) 2026

European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) provides a platform and support for national campaigns on prudent use of antibiotics. EAAD is coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). EAAD started in 2008 and is marked across Europe by national campaigns on or around 18 November.

EAAD is a leading European health initiative acknowledging the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and recognising that raising awareness about the need for the prudent use of antibiotics in human, as well as in veterinary medicine, is an important step in curbing antibiotic resistance.

EAAD 2026 theme Care for your kids - use antibiotics wisely focuses on children, especially infants and preschool-aged children, as a key group most often exposed to antibiotics, though many common childhood infections do not require them. This year's campaign places parents and caregivers of children at the heart of the communication efforts for supporting them to manage common childhood infections, understand when antibiotics are and are not needed, raise awareness on potential side effects of antibiotics, and know when to seek medical advice.

Campaign materials will be published in early November.

Latest data on antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial consumption will be published on 18 November.