New Guidance Aims to Curb Misuse and Strengthen Antimicrobial Stewardship

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations on the use of antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, reinforcing the importance of responsible prescribing to curb the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Key Recommendation: No Routine Use for Mild or Moderate Cases

According to the revised guidelines, antibiotics should not be prescribed routinely to patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms unless there is strong clinical suspicion or confirmation of a bacterial infection. This represents a significant shift from early-pandemic practices where antibiotics were often administered as a precautionary measure.

Dr. Janet Diaz, WHO’s Head of Clinical Care, emphasized:

“The updated guidance reflects evidence showing that unnecessary antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients contributes to rising antimicrobial resistance and offers no benefit in most non-severe cases.”

Severe Cases: Use Based on Clinical Judgement

For patients with severe or critical COVID-19, WHO recommends that antibiotics may be considered only when bacterial co-infection is likely or confirmed, and their use should be guided by local epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, and clinical indicators.

Global Implications: Safeguarding Antibiotic Effectiveness

This update is part of WHO’s broader strategy to preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics, as misuse during the pandemic has led to spikes in AMR—posing a long-term threat to global health. Studies have shown that up to 75% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics, despite fewer than 10% having confirmed bacterial infections.

Call to Action: Strengthen Stewardship Programs

The WHO urges health systems worldwide to reinforce antimicrobial stewardship programs, train healthcare professionals on the revised guidelines, and promote accurate diagnostic testing before administering antibiotics.

Looking Ahead

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, WHO will keep updating its clinical guidance based on emerging evidence. Health authorities are encouraged to align national treatment protocols with WHO’s recommendations to ensure optimal patient care and protect antibiotics for future generations.