Antibiotic Resistance on the Rise – European Antibiotics Awareness Day

Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an unforeseen pace, caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The health impact of antibiotic-resistant infections is comparable to that of flu, TB and HIV/AIDS combined.

This European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD), 18th November, the HSE is reminding everyone how valuable antibiotics are, how important it is that we only use them if prescribed and as prescribed.

Dr Eimear Brannigan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) said: “Antibiotics are lifesaving drugs when used appropriately to treat bacterial infections and are usually very safe for us. We have become reliant on antibiotics being effective to treat or prevent infection during many of our routine operations, for critical surgery such as organ transplants, cancer treatment and treatment of many illnesses.

“Unfortunately, a lot of antibiotics have been used in people, animals and crops, often when they were not always appropriate. Because of this, many bacteria or bugs have adapted and become resistant to different types of antibiotics. These are sometimes called superbugs. So, antibiotics that once worked well to treat an infection may no longer work as well as before or, do not work at all. This is known as antibiotic resistance.”

What can be done

Everyone can make a difference in addressing this growing threat. Prudent use of antibiotics is important;

• use antibiotics only when prescribed and exactly as prescribed
• keep up to date with vaccinations – less infections means we need antibiotics less and
• use good infection prevention practices e.g. hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of infection.

HSE Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) Action Plan 2026 – 2030

Today the HSE has published its AMR action plan 2026 - 2030 outlining 6 key priorities:

• improving awareness of AMR
• enhancing surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance
• reducing the spread of infection
• optimising the use of antibiotics in human health
• promoting research and investment in new medicines
• diagnostic tools and strengthening governance and accountability for a coordinated AMR response across all sectors

HSE Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) Action Plan 2026 – 2030 (PDF, 2.7 MB, 88 pages)

This HSE plan has been published in response to the Government’s One Health National Action Plan, iNAP3, to address AMR. It will require significant effort across health, agriculture and environment to ensure prudent use of antibiotics in order to safeguard them for the future.

Dr Scott Walkin, GP and Antimicrobial Resistance Lead with the Irish College of GPs, said: “Antibiotics can only help someone recover from a bacterial infection. They make no difference when an illness is caused by a virus. Most coughs and all colds and ‘flus are caused by viruses. I still see people – often parents worried about their children – who hope antibiotics will speed up recovery of viral infections, but that isn’t the case. In fact, antibiotics can cause unwanted effects like diarrhoea, nausea or skin rashes. They also can cause superbugs to develop. It’s always safer not to take an antibiotic unless it’s clearly needed. One of the best ways to avoid many viral infections in the first place is through vaccination, so keeping up to date with your vaccines really matters.”

EAAD is a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) annual event which coincides with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) which is organised annually by the World Health Organisation (WHO).