Washington, DC / Bangalore, India — A new study highlights recent, but fluctuating, growth in global human antibiotic consumption, one of the main drivers of growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR results in infections that no longer respond to antibiotics (and other antimicrobial medicines) and often leads to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and higher mortality rates. AMR is estimated to be associated with nearly five million global deaths annually .
Researchers affiliated with the One Health Trust (OHT), the Population Council, GlaxoSmithKline, the University of Zurich, the University of Brussels, Johns Hopkins University, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed pharmaceutical sales data from 67 countries from 2016-2023 for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic growth on human antibiotic consumption. The study provides a breakdown of global antibiotic sales in reported countries by national income level, antibiotic class, and antibiotic grouping according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AWaRe classification system for antibiotic stewardship and projects consumption through 2030. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The study found:
This study sheds light on recent trends in consumption across country income levels that can be used to help promote the careful use of antibiotics and other public health interventions that may reduce antibiotic consumption, such as improved infection prevention and control measures and increased childhood vaccination coverage. The study also has implications for future pandemic preparedness.
According to Dr. Eili Klein, lead author of the study and Senior Fellow at OHT, “ The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted antibiotic use, but global consumption has rebounded quickly and continues to rise at an alarming rate. To address this escalating crisis, we must prioritize reducing inappropriate antibiotic use in high-income nations while making substantial investments in infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries to curb disease transmission effectively. ”
“Global trends in antibiotic consumption during 2016–2023 and future projections through 2030” is available in PNAS (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411919121) .
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About the One Health Trust
The One Health Trust (OHT), which was founded as the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP) in 2010, uses research and stakeholder engagement to improve the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. For more than a decade, OHT researchers have conducted vitally important work on major global health challenges, including Covid-19, antimicrobial resistance, hospital infections, tuberculosis, malaria, pandemic preparedness and response, vaccines, medical oxygen shortages, and noncommunicable diseases. OHT’s mandate includes issues related to climate change, biodiversity protection, and the effect of changing human diets on the planet.
At OHT, we believe that answers to the world’s most critical questions lie between disciplines. Accordingly, our researchers employ a range of expertise—from economics, epidemiology, disease modeling, and risk analysis to clinical and veterinary medicine, geographic information systems, and statistics—to conduct actionable, policy-oriented research.
OHT has offices in Washington, D.C. and Bangalore, India, with researchers based in North America, Africa, and Asia. Our projects lead to policy recommendations and scientific studies published in leading journals. We are experienced in addressing country-specific and regional issues as well as global challenges. Our research is renowned for innovative approaches to design and analysis, and we communicate our work to diverse stakeholders.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Global trends in antibiotic consumption during 2016–2023 and future projections through 2030
18-Nov-2024