Global campaign to phase out over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales Consultation Report

Overview

Antibiotic sales without a prescription, commonly referred to as over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales, are a global concern. In response, WHO launched an electronic consultation involving key stakeholders to understand the possible interventions for a global campaign to phase out OTC antibiotics. To further review the feasibility of such a campaign, WHO convened a two-day meeting, which took place on 1-2 November 2023, at WHO's Headquarters. The meeting brought together civil society, academia, representatives from WHO headquarters and regional offices and other experts in the field to review the findings of policies on dispensing antibiotics without a prescription in 20 countries; build consensus on moving forward with a campaign and to agree on the concept and expected outcomes of such a campaign.

Participants agreed that a WHO-led campaign should be developed and recommended a step-wise approach rooted in consultations and actions at national levels rather than at a global level.