Increasing the use of the WHO AWaRe system in antibiotic surveillance and stewardship programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a major global health threat, driven in part by the inappropriate use of antibiotics including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Improving the quality of antibiotic use is a key rationale for the development of the WHO's AWaRe (Access, Watch and Reserve) system. There is a need to review the uptake of the AWaRe system since its launch to guide future practice.

Methods

A literature search was conducted between 2017, the launch of AWaRe, and 2024. Inclusion criteria were studies that reported on antibiotic use in LMICs using the AWaRe system.

Results

Eighty-five studies were included in the review, of which 56.4% focused on antibiotic use trends, with 28.2% reporting on prescribing patterns; 51.7% of the st

SUBMITTER: Saleem Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11919820 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature