Quality of Antibiotic Use in Developing Countries: Status and Future Recommendations

The quality of antibiotic use in developing countries is essential to address the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and ensure effective treatment of bacterial infections. This chapter provides an overview of the challenges and achievements in prescribing, dispensing, administration, use, and self-use of antibiotics in developing countries. Challenges include limited access to diagnostics, weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate infection prevention and control, limited awareness, and cultural beliefs. Achievements have been made through the development of guidelines, training programs, enforcement of regulations, improvement in infection control practices, and community education initiatives. Recommendations to enhance the quality of antibiotic use include strengthening prescribing guidelines, improving healthcare provider training, enforcing responsible dispensing regulations, enhancing infection prevention and control measures, raising public awareness, and engaging community leaders. Collaboration and ongoing research are vital to sustain progress and combat antibiotic resistance in developing countries.