More than 35,000 deaths every year in the EU/EEA linked to antibiotic-resistant infections! InfoCons informs consumers on International One Health Day
On International One Health Day, observed annually on 3 November, InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection highlights antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major threat connecting human health, animal health and the environment. Preventing its spread requires coordinated action across healthcare, veterinary medicine, food systems and environmental protection.
According to the European Commission, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are directly responsible for more than 35,000 deaths each year in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). This is an EU/EEA estimate, not a worldwide figure, and refers specifically to the health burden of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria evolve the ability to survive medicines that would normally stop their growth or kill them. Antibiotic resistance is one form of AMR. It is the microorganisms, rather than the people or animals receiving treatment, that become resistant. As a result, infections may become harder to treat and require different or more complex medical care.
Why is One Health essential?
The World Health Organization describes One Health as an integrated approach that recognises the close connections between human, animal and ecosystem health. Antibiotic use in people and animals, the circulation of resistant bacteria, and the presence of antimicrobial residues or resistant microorganisms in the environment are interconnected challenges.
The European Environment Agency identifies excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use among the drivers of resistance. The European Commission therefore prioritises prudent use of antimicrobials in both human and veterinary medicine, research and innovation, and measures to reduce environmental impacts.
How can resistance spread?
Resistant bacteria can circulate in healthcare settings, communities, animals and the environment. Depending on the pathogen and circumstances, transmission may occur through contact, contaminated water or food, or environmental exposure. Not every exposure results in infection, but the shared pathways demonstrate why no single sector can address AMR alone.
What can consumers do?
- Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, and follow the instructions provided.
- Do not share antibiotics or use leftovers from previous treatments.
- Practice good hand hygiene and follow safe food-handling and cooking practices.
- Seek reliable information from public health and medicines authorities rather than assuming antibiotics work against viral infections.
InfoCons and informed consumer choices
Through consumer education and access to product-safety information, InfoCons supports better-informed decisions and the wider One Health objective of protecting people, animals and the environment. The InfoCons Consumer Protection App provides access to useful consumer information and relevant safety alerts. It does not replace medical advice, professional diagnosis or prescribed treatment.
International One Health Day is an opportunity to underline that responsible antimicrobial use, stronger surveillance and cooperation across sectors are all necessary to preserve the effectiveness of treatments for future generations.