On 10 March 2022, the National Report on the use of antibiotics in Italy -2020', concerning antibiotics for human use, was presented on AIFA's YouTube channel to monitor consumption and expenditure trends in Italy and identify areas of potential inappropriate use.
A morning of intense work in which we participated with interest.
We have produced a summary in graphic format with the highlights that seem to us most relevant to the governance of this type of drug.
In particular, the Report shows that:
-
- 3 out of 10 citizens received at least one antibiotic prescription in 2020. Utilisation is highest in the paediatric segment and in the over-80s.
- In 2020, antibiotics accounted for 1.2% of consumption and 3% of SSN expenditure (692 million) in Italy. Overall consumption is decreasing (-18.2%), but higher than the European average.
- Prices that are too low can be an incentive to buy: we need to think about policies on new antibiotics or separating price from industry revenues or find new ways to approach this aspect that has contributed to widespread use.