WHO’s essential medicines and AWaRe: recommendations on first- and second-choice antibiotics for empiric treatment of clinical infections

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) prioritizes medicines with significant global public health value. In response to antimicrobial resistance, antibiotics on the EML were categorized into Access, Watch, and Reserve groups, leading to the development of AWaRe. The 2023 AWaRe classification provides guidance on 41 essential antibiotics for over 30 clinical infections targeting primary healthcare and hospital facilities. The goal is to optimize global antibiotic prescribing quality and reduce inappropriate use by encouraging the use of Access antibiotics or no antibiotics where appropriate. The AWaRe antibiotic book and smartphone applications are based on clinical evidence evaluation and EML recommendations. Adherence to AWaRe would extend the effectiveness of current antibiotics and help countries expand access to life-saving medicines for patients, health professionals, and the environment.