Study Finds Antibiotic Overuse Peaks in Rich Nations While Poor Countries Face Shortages

A recent study in Lancet Public Health challenges the prevailing view that low- and middle-income countries drive antibiotic overuse. Data indicate that high-income nations not only use the greatest volumes of antibiotics for resistant infections but also exceed clinical needs, especially for broad-spectrum "watch" drugs. Conversely, many poorer countries lack adequate supplies, even though they account for more than 80% of the estimated global requirement.

The authors warn that both overuse and underuse fuel resistance, emphasizing the need for precise prescribing and reliable drug availability. They cite the WHO's Access-Watch-Reserve (AWaRe) framework and note the UN General Assembly's 2024 pledge for 70% of use to come from the access group by 2030, a target the study finds broadly met yet unevenly distributed. The analysis urges countries to develop tailored AMR strategies that reflect local disease burdens and resistance patterns.