WHO launched a new AWaRe tool against antimicrobial resistance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global campaign called "AdoptAWaRe, Handle antibiotics with care", to promote its AWaRe antimicrobials classification categories and to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This WHO's essential medicines list divides antibiotics into three categories: "Access," "Watch," and "Reserve" with recommendations for when each category should be used. “Access” antibiotics are for the most common and serious infections with the lowest risk for antibiotic resistance. “Reserve” antibiotics should be used sparingly and only as a last resort. The goal for the campaign is that by 2023, at least 60% of all consumed antibiotics are “Access” antibiotics. This will result in better antibiotic use, reduce costs, and improve the access to antibiotics, especially in the developing countries.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing concern because of the inappropriate use of antibiotics. It has been estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics in many countries are used inappropriately and it is causing 750 000 deaths every year.

Read more: https://adoptaware.org/

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