The multifaceted nature of lack of access to antibiotics: types of shortage and specific causes, consequences, and solutions

This paper discusses the challenges of maintaining access to antibiotics due to supply, market, and demand issues. It identifies four types of lack of access: short-term shortages, long-term shortages, deregistrations, and lack of registration. Common causes include unattractive markets, dependence on few suppliers, and insufficient communication. Longer shortages have more serious clinical consequences and higher risk of resistance development. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the type of unavailability, as no single solution can address all types. Supply chain transparency and pooled procurement can support other solutions and cope with multiple types of lack of access.