Cyprus to launch national campaign against antibiotic overuse

On October 31, 2026, Cyprus Minister of Health Neofytos Charalambidis announced a new national campaign aimed at addressing the high rate of antibiotic consumption in the country. Speaking at a scientific conference focused on the rational prescription of antimicrobials in primary healthcare, the Minister emphasized that European surveillance data indicates significant public health risks due to rising microbial resistance, which complicates the treatment of common infections.

The initiative aims to promote the responsible use of medication, specifically targeting community-level consumption where the majority of antibiotics are utilized. Minister Charalambidis highlighted that primary care physicians and pediatricians play a crucial role in curbing excessive prescriptions. To support these efforts, the Ministry of Health is considering participating in the European campaign for the 2026-2027 period.

As part of the broader strategy to mitigate resistance, the Ministry has formally adopted the 2025 Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infections. The government intends to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based guidelines and continuous training, while simultaneously launching public awareness initiatives to better inform the population about the dangers of antibiotic misuse.