AWaRe CLASSIFICATION OF ANTIBIOTICS

OVERVIEW

The AWaRe classification of antibiotics was developed in 2017 by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines as a tool to support antibiotic stewardship efforts at local, national and global levels, Antibiotics are classified into three groups, Access, Watch and Reserve, taking into account the impact of different antibiotics and antibiotic classes on antimicrobial resistance, to emphasize the importance of their appropriate use. It is updated every 2 years.

The AWaRe classification is intended as a tool for monitoring antibiotic consumption, defining targets and monitoring the effects of stewardship policies that aim to optimize antibiotic use and curb antimicrobial resistance. The WHO 13th General Programme of Work 2019–2023 includes a country-level target of at least 60% of total antibiotic consumption being Access group antibiotics.

Ref: WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics for evaluation and monitoring of use, 2023 

DEFINITION

The National Antimicrobial Guideline (NAG) integrates the WHO AWaRe classification listing Access, Watch, and Reserve as defined in the “AWaRe classification of antibiotics for evaluation and monitoring of use, 2023” to ensure consistency in stewardship practices.