Greece leads all OECD countries (member nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) in antibiotics consumption at a time when antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming one of the fastest-growing threats to global health.
When antibiotics are overused or prescribed inappropriately, diseases can develop resistance to them. Over the long term, this could mean that illnesses we now treat routinely may no longer respond to existing medications.
Scientists warn that excessive use of antibiotics can lead to several key issues, most notably antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a serious threat to public health. Across the EU, AMR already claims over 35,000 lives each year.
Adding to the challenge, the current generation of antibiotics—many of which were developed decades ago—is quickly nearing the end of its effectiveness. Deaths from resistant viral strains are expected to rise significantly if the development of new drugs continues at its current, very slow pace. This is why it is essential for antibiotics to be prescribed only when necessary and supported by clinical evidence.
New research from the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) shows that, in 2023, an average of 16 defined daily doses (DDDs) of antibiotics per 1,000 people were prescribed across member countries, a small decrease from 17 DDDs per 1,000 people in 2013. Even so, more progress is needed to ensure appropriate use.
Greece, however, tops the OECD list with 27 defined daily doses prescribed, followed by Korea with 25. At the bottom of the list are Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria, each at just 9 doses. Notably, Greece has ranked first in antibiotic consumption across the EU since 2011.
Safe prescribing of antibiotics necessary in primary care, including in Greece
The OECD notes that the safe prescribing of medicines serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and complements data on pharmaceutical consumption and spending. The overuse, underuse, or misuse of prescription medications can lead to serious health consequences for patients and unnecessary costs, as is the case with antibiotics.
Antibiotics are intended for treating bacterial infections, but their overuse or inappropriate prescription can increase antimicrobial resistance. This rise in resistance is linked to higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs across OECD countries.
Health guidelines advise that antibiotics should be prescribed only when clearly supported by clinical evidence. The overall volume of antibiotics prescribed in community settings is considered a key indicator of safe and effective care, and many countries are working to reduce antibiotic use in primary care as part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
According to 2023 data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in Greece reached 28.5 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1,000 inhabitants. Community use alone stood at 26.7 DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day, levels that far exceed recommended limits.
A Kapa Research survey conducted earlier this year for the Athens Medical Association found that 75 percent of adults and 48 percent of children and teenagers use antibiotics, while one in four obtains them without a doctor’s prescription. Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infection, but their overuse or inappropriate prescription can drive rates of antimicrobial resistance, which is associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs across OECD countries.
Health guidelines recommend that antibiotics should only be prescribed where clearly supported by clinical evidence. The total volume of antibiotics prescribed in the community setting is considered an indicator of safe and effective care, and countries strive to reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
According to 2023 data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in Greece reached 28.5 daily defined doses (DDDs) per 1,000 inhabitants. Community use stood at 26.7 DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day, far exceeding recommended limits.
A Kapa Research survey conducted earlier this year for the Athens Medical Association found that 75 percent of adults and 48 percent of children and teens use antibiotics, while one in four obtains them without a doctor’s prescription.