As consumption of antimicrobials has increased, the natural processes of adaptation and mutation have resulted in new, resistant strains of common diseases. Unresponsive to traditional treatments, these pose a major threat to public health, as demonstrated by the proliferation of regional and global pandemics. EPHA has updated its briefing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ahead of 2012 European Antibiotics Awareness Day (November 18) and in light of the European Parliament’s Own Initiative Report on the Microbial Challenge.