The widespread and repeated use of antibiotics leads, over time, to an increase in bacterial resistance, threatening the effectiveness of treatments. In France, in 2012, Santé publique France estimated that multidrug-resistant bacterial infections accounted for approximately 158,000 infections and 12,000 deaths.

"The fight against antibiotic resistance: a major public health challenge"

Monitoring bacterial resistance and antibiotic consumption is a fundamental component of combating this phenomenon, as is a comprehensive approach that integrates human health, animal health, and the environment. That is why, for the first time, Santé publique France and the ANSM are partnering with ANSES to publish a report on antibiotic consumption and resistance data in human and animal health in France over a ten-year period (2005–2015). In light of this report, the sustained and determined commitment of prescribers, patients, livestock farmers, and public authorities appears, once again this year, to be essential.

In France, surveillance of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in human health relies on numerous partners and surveillance networks, coordinated under the auspices of Santé publique France. Focused on specific bacteria-antibiotic combinations of interest in human health, the surveillance relies on the voluntary participation of laboratories, both in healthcare facilities and in private practice.

The Santé publique France report on resistance to anti-infective agents, updated for European Antibiotic Awareness Day, aims to facilitate access to surveillance data in human health. It compiles up-to-date information on trends in resistance to anti-infective agents in human health, collected on an ongoing or ad hoc basis, at the national or regional level.

Santé publique France also publishes a summary of the preliminary 2015 results from the ATB-Raisin surveillance program, which monitors antibiotic use in French healthcare facilities and is conducted in collaboration with the CClin-Arlin network.