WHO GLOBAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON ANTIBIOTIC PACKAGING REINFORCE EVIDENCE FROM THE ABACUS STUDY
Recent recommendations reaffirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the importance of clear antimicrobial medicine packaging (labels) are supported by scientific evidence generated by the ABACUS (AntiBiotic ACcess and Use) project, implemented in several countries, including Mozambique.
During the Second Global Summit of Regulatory Authorities on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), held virtually from January 14 to 15, 2026, global regulatory leaders emphasized that simple, clear, and easy-to-understand labels can significantly contribute to promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and reducing the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance, considered one of the greatest global public health threats.
These recommendations are aligned with findings from the ABACUS study, conducted since 2017 in six countries across Africa and Asia, including Mozambique, where it was implemented by the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) under the coordination of CISM Senior Researcher Esperança Sevene. The study identified important challenges related to how patients recognize and use antibiotics, highlighting the need to improve systems for identifying these medicines.
The study results showed that many people have difficulty distinguishing antibiotics from other commonly used medicines, such as painkillers, which may contribute to their inappropriate use. Based on this evidence, ABACUS recommended the development of clearer, more patient-friendly labeling systems, including the use of visual elements linked to the physical appearance of medicines to facilitate the identification of oral antibiotics.
According to researchers involved in the study, improving how antibiotics are identified and communicated to the public is an essential step in promoting their responsible use and reducing practices that contribute to the emergence of resistant microorganisms.
In addition, the study also highlighted the importance of developing educational materials targeted at communities, medicine dispensers, and healthcare professionals, as well as strengthening collaboration with regulatory authorities to support the introduction of more effective labeling systems.
The recommendations discussed at the Global AMR Summit also reinforce the need to use local languages, symbols, and pictograms on medicine packaging—approaches similar to those suggested by the evidence generated through the ABACUS project.
These measures can help improve patient understanding, promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, and support global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
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