Global Study Finds Widespread Misuse of Antibiotics Across 186 Countries

A research team led by Aislinn Cook of City, St George’s University of London analysed antibiotic consumption in 186 countries and territories, using the WHO’s 2017 Access‑Watch‑Reserve classification. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, reports that 40.2 billion daily antibiotic doses were used worldwide in 2018. It shows that many nations over‑prescribe “Watch” antibiotics, which carry a higher risk of resistance, while a substantial share under‑utilise “Access” antibiotics for common infections and “Reserve” antibiotics needed for severe, multi‑drug‑resistant cases. High‑income clusters, exemplified by Germany, use excessive amounts of Watch‑category drugs, whereas lower‑income regions often lack sufficient Access and Reserve medicines. The authors stress that equitable access to appropriate antibiotics is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to curb antimicrobial resistance. They identify Switzerland and Morocco as benchmark reference points for low mortality and low usage patterns, respectively, and call for improved data collection and policy action worldwide.