Report on Global Antibiotic Demand for Pneumonia and COPD in Top 20 Countries

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Introduction

A retrospective study published in the June 2025 issue of the International Journal of Infectious Disease estimated the total antibiotic requirements for treating individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia across the 20 most populous countries. This study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by addressing the global challenge of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Methodology

1. Estimation of COPD exacerbations and pneumonia cases in 2019 across the 20 most populous countries.
2. Determination of antibiotic requirements using World Health Organization AWaRe guidelines.
3. Calculation of the proportion of patients needing antibiotics based on average bacterial etiology data.
4. Assumptions for treatment outcomes:
   • Individuals not improving with first-line therapy either recover with second-line treatment, stop care, or die during therapy.
   • Where two treatment options existed, individuals were evenly divided between them.

Findings

• Antibiotic Types: Penicillins (76.1%) and cephalosporins (22.6%) were the most commonly required antibiotics.
• Primary Indications: Treatment focused mainly on community-acquired pneumonia, followed by hospital-acquired pneumonia and COPD exacerbations.
• Geographical Distribution:
  • India and China accounted for the highest penicillin consumption at 37% and 21% of total use, respectively.
  • The United States, Brazil, and Indonesia contributed an additional 15% combined.
  • Per capita penicillin consumption was highest in India, Brazil, and Germany.
• Quantitative Estimates:
  • 2,276,046 million mg of penicillins were estimated as necessary.
  • 676,098 million mg of cephalosporins were estimated as necessary.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This study supports several SDGs by:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Providing data to optimize antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance, thereby improving health outcomes for respiratory diseases.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Utilizing WHO guidelines and data-driven approaches to enhance healthcare infrastructure and antibiotic stewardship.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Encouraging international collaboration in monitoring and managing antibiotic consumption globally.

Conclusion

The investigators concluded that estimating antibiotic requirements is a valuable approach to support prudent antibiotic use and guide global antimicrobial planning. This aligns with global efforts to achieve sustainable health systems and reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide.

Source

For further details, refer to the original publication: International Journal of Infectious Disease – Full Text

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on antibiotic use for treating pneumonia and COPD, which are critical health issues.
   • It highlights the need for prudent antibiotic use and global antimicrobial planning to improve health outcomes.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The emphasis on prudent antibiotic use aligns with sustainable consumption of medical resources.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The study uses WHO AWaRe guidelines and data-driven approaches, reflecting innovation in healthcare planning.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of communicable diseases including pneumonia.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential medicines.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction, and management of health risks.
2. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, including pharmaceuticals.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of health sectors.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Antibiotic Consumption Indicators:
   • Quantities of penicillins and cephalosporins consumed (e.g., mg per capita).
   • Proportion of antibiotic use by type (penicillins 76.1%, cephalosporins 22.6%).
   • Country-specific antibiotic consumption data (e.g., India 37%, China 21%).
2. Health Outcome Indicators:
   • Incidence and treatment rates of COPD exacerbations and pneumonia cases.
   • Recovery rates with first-line and second-line antibiotic therapies.
   • Mortality rates during therapy.
3. Guideline Adherence Indicators:
   • Use of WHO AWaRe guidelines to classify and guide antibiotic use.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: physiciansweekly.com