[e-drug] Belgium cuts antibiotic use by 12%

[E-drug <e-drug@usa.healthnet.org>]

E-drug: Belgium cuts antibiotic use by 12%
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[Interesting experience. So the Belgians had a 12% reduction in
antibiotic use, but it lasted for 6 months only. I would like to know
the value for money of this campaign, and how they think they will
have more impact in the next campaign. Any Belgian E-drugger who
could inform me? Copied as fair use. HH]

BMJ 2001;323:710 (29 September 2001)

News: Belgium cuts antibiotic use by 12% 

Rory Watson, Brussels 

A concerted campaign by Belgian public health authorities
succeeded in reducing consumption of antibiotics in the country by
12% last winter. As spring approached, however, the initial impact
of the initiative declined. It had been launched by public health and
social affairs ministers Magda Aelvoet and Frank Vandenbroucke
last November and had the slogan "Use antibiotics less and better."

Commenting on the results of the campaign, Mrs Aelvoet
acknowledged that the decrease in the consumption of antibiotics
gradually became less, until by March there was virtually no
difference in the amounts taken during the same month in 2000. 
As a result, the government intends to organise a second campaign
this year. This will contain even more explicit messages and advise
people that although antibiotics are needed to treat serious illnesses
such as meningitis and pneumonia, they are not necessary for flu,
sore throats, or bronchitis. 

Belgium holds the presidency of the European Union until the end of
the year and is raising the question of sensible use of antibiotics at
an international level. The agenda of the conference on the subject
in Brussels from 15 to 17 November includes an up to date
examination of the extent of antibiotic use throughout the European
Union. 


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