Impact of implementation of World Health Organization National Action Plans on antibiotic rates: a time series analysis of 37 countries

A recent time-series analysis of 37 countries (2011–2019) examined whether implementing WHO National Action Plans (NAPs) on AMR reduced antibiotic sales. Overall, no significant change was found two years after NAP implementation, with only a modest 1.8% decrease compared to pre-trends. Effects varied widely: some countries (e.g., Indonesia, South Africa, Jordan) saw large reductions, while others (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam, Peru) recorded substantial increases. By antibiotic type, Access, Watch, and Reserve groups all showed small, non-significant declines. The study concludes that while NAPs are essential, they are insufficient on their own; measurable targets, strong implementation, and monitoring are critical to achieving meaningful reductions in antibiotic use.