This article examines the rising rate of antibiotic resistance, and proposes action to reverse the trend. The authors call for leadership at international and national levels, a change in the behaviour of consumers and providers, and the development of antibacterial agents to match existing public health needs.

They suggest that international bodies such as the WHO should provide coordination and resources for generating key information on the burden of antibiotic resistance, and call for individual governments to set up multidisciplinary action programmes. They also examine the methods needed to better inform the public and discuss alternative approaches to developing new antibacterials, including product development partnerships and gap analyses.

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