Skip to main content

2016 to 2023 Saw Antibiotic Consumption Increase 16.3 Percent Globally

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2024 -- Globally, antibiotic consumption increased 16.3 percent from 2016 to 2023 and is projected to continue increasing through 2030, according to a study published online Nov. 18 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Eili Y. Klein, Ph.D., from the One Health Trust in Washington, D.C., and colleagues estimated national-level trends in antibiotic consumption in 67 countries during 2016 to 2023 and analyzed the effects of economic growth and the pandemic. Assuming current trends continue, global health consumption was estimated and growth was projected through 2030.

The researchers found that from 2016 to 2023, estimated antibiotic consumption in reported countries increased 16.3 percent, from 29.5 to 34.3 billion defined daily doses (DDDs), reflecting a 10.6 percent increase in the consumption rate from 13.7 to 15.2 DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day. Upper- and lower-middle income countries had the most pronounced increases. Globally, consumption was reduced significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most pronounced reduction seen in high-income countries; reductions in antibiotic use in 2020 were sharper and lasted longer in these countries than in other countries. Without reductions in rapidly developing nations, by 2030, it is projected that global antibiotic consumption will increase by 52.3 percent from an estimated 49.3 billion in 2023 to 75.1 billion DDDs.

"Policies are urgently needed to promote increased antibiotic access and ensure that antibiotics are not misused or overused in the process," the authors write. "In addition, greater emphasis is needed globally on preventing transmission of infections to reduce the need for antibiotics, particularly the most effective drugs."

Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Antibiotic Exposure Before Age 2 May Increase Risk for Chronic Pediatric Conditions

WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2025 -- Children receiving multiple antibiotic courses between birth and age 2 years may have a higher risk for some chronic conditions, according to a study...

Infection Tied to One-Fourth of Deaths With Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

TUESDAY, April 22, 2025 -- Roughly one in 14 people with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) have an infection in the first year after diagnosis, according to a study...

Possible Fecal Contamination Prompts Butter Recall

FRIDAY, April 11, 2025 -- More than 1,700 pounds of butter are being recalled due to possible contamination with coliform, a type of bacteria found in fecal matter, according to...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.