e-Bug: fighting antibiotic resistance

The ISS has been partner of the European e-Bug project for over 10 years and operates as the Italian contact point through a formally constituted interdisciplinary task force. The project is coordinated by Public Health England (with 27 European Union countries and Saudi Arabia), and is recognized as a highly valuable educational resource by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Its aim is to combat the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance by disseminating information on microorganisms, hygiene, antibiotics and vaccines. The project pursues the following objectives:

• to spread the culture of prevention of infectious diseases by disseminating information on vaccines and hygiene in schools
• to promote informed decisions on the cautious use of antibiotics that can produce medium- and long-term effects on the population
• to promote empowerment and life skills in relation to health among students and teachers

Target: primary school and upper and lower secondary school students and teachers. 

Products: health promotion campaign, events, printed, digital and multimedia material, website, social networks.

Production of digital and multimedia materials
Translation and adaptation of e-Bug project resources to the Italian context. The resources are designed for educational purposes. The material is available online at www.e-bug.eu, and can be printed freely. This activity has been running since 2010 to date.

Health promotion campaign
The project has involved organizing seminars to introduce e-Bug resources in schools, and stands at major events, from 2010 to date. ISS researchers are available to organize meetings in schools.

Organization of Reference: Scientific Communication Service and Department of Infectious Diseases
Contact persons: Paola De Castro and Annalisa Pantosti