Global Study Reveals Disparities in Antibiotic Use and Resistance Potential

An international study published in Lancet Public Health estimates actual and optimal use of WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, and Reserve) antibiotic classes across 186 countries. The findings indicate that high-income regions use more antibiotics despite lower requirements than low-income regions, and most areas exceed optimal use, particularly for antibiotics with high resistance potential. This research is crucial for informing strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.