Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Global Overuse of 'Watch' Antibiotics Drives Resistance Crisis
A new study shows that almost all countries are using too many 'watch' antibiotics, which are strong drugs meant for serious infections.
These drugs are being overused, which is making antibiotic resistance worse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a system called AWaRe that groups antibiotics into 'access', 'watch', and 'reserve' based on how likely they are to cause resistance.
The study found that in 2019, about 43 billion courses of antibiotics were needed globally, but many countries are using more than they should.
India, for example, is using a lot more 'watch' antibiotics than recommended.
The researchers say that lower-income countries need more of these special antibiotics because they have more infectious diseases and drug resistance, but richer countries are currently using them the most.
They call for better policies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve access for those who really need them.
Nearly all countries are overusing 'watch' antibiotics, accelerating antibiotic resistance.
The 'watch' class comprises stronger drugs intended for specific, severe infections.
Researchers developed a framework to help countries assess and manage antibiotic consumption.
The WHO AWaRe system categorizes antibiotics into 'access', 'watch', and 'reserve' based on resistance potential.
India's actual 'watch' antibiotic usage significantly exceeds its 'access' usage.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of London and other institutions
- What
- A study on global antibiotic usage and resistance
- When
- Published in The Lancet Public Health
- Where
- Global study with a focus on India
- Why
- To assess and manage antibiotic consumption effectively
Global Antibiotic Usage Trends
Discrepancies in Real-World Data
Antibiotic Usage
Global Antibiotic Usage Trends
The study estimates that around 43 billion courses of antibiotics were needed globally in 2019, averaging one course per person per year.
Discrepancies in Real-World Data
Real-world data shows that nearly three-quarters of countries are using more antibiotics overall than needed.
'Watch' Antibiotic Usage
Global Antibiotic Usage Trends
The study suggests that about 77% of antibiotic courses should be 'access' group antibiotics.
Discrepancies in Real-World Data
Real-world data indicates that 99% of countries are using more 'watch' antibiotics than expected.
'Reserve' Antibiotic Usage
Global Antibiotic Usage Trends
The study highlights the need for 'reserve' antibiotics for life-threatening drug-resistant infections.
Discrepancies in Real-World Data
More than half of the countries are not using enough 'reserve' antibiotics, potentially leaving patients untreated.
- Study Published In
- The Lancet Public Health
- WHO AWaRe Classification
- Access, Watch, Reserve
- Global Antibiotic Courses Needed (2019)
- 43 billion
- Optimal 'Access' Antibiotic Usage
- 77%
- Countries Overusing Antibiotics
- 72%
- Countries Overusing 'Watch' Antibiotics
- 99%
- India's Actual 'Watch' Antibiotic Usage
- 9.3 DID
- India's Actual 'Access' Antibiotic Usage
- 4.5 DID