Of antibiotics and globalisation

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: remarkably similar to the map of antibiotic consumption. Compare countries that use the most antibiotics with those most sceptical of the benefits of globalisation. Four of the top five match; and, at the other end of the scale, six of the bottom ten match. (America, a place addicted to interventionist medicine, would be near the top of an EU chart for antibiotic use: it is also a country currently wrestling with strong protectionist instincts.)

Yet this correlation also gives grounds for hope. Education and transparency work wonders in reducing antibiotic use: public information campaigns in France and Belgium have been notably successful. Cultural differences cannot be erased altogether: some societies will always be more trusting or anxious than others. But trust can be built. Many forms of protection are illusory, and may harm your family and neighbours. Those in authority should explain this, whether it is a popular message or not.