The European Antibiotic Awareness Day will take place on 18 November 2009. The aim of the Day is to provide an annual opportunity for awareness raising about the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance and how to use antibiotics responsibly.

The latest data confirms that across the European Union the number of patients infected by resistant bacteria is increasing and that antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health.

Responsible use of antibiotics can help stop resistant bacteria from developing and help keep antibiotics effective for the use of future generations.

Successful national public awareness campaigns are already resulting in more rational use of antibiotics and a reduction in levels of antibiotic resistance.