Decreasing Irrational Antimicrobial Use in Bangladesh: A Digital Intervention Program

The misuse, irrational, or overuse of antibiotics, antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human health. Even though the awareness of the potential threat from AMR is widespread, studies and monitoring programs describing the present situation are lacking. The presence of a 'pluralistic' health system and a large informal sector involving unqualified drug dispenser/providers/practitioners in Bangladesh is a matter of grave concern for the rising antimicrobial resistance situation in the country. An estimated 63% of antibiotic prescriptions are from unqualified providers. Besides, misconception about antibiotics is very common in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the use of antibiotics in animal food production with insufficient veterinary supervision for therapeutic purposes which poses the risk of antimicrobial resistance transmission in the food chain. Without adherence to national regulations, unnecessary and inappropriate prescriptions become common practice, particularly in rural areas. Domestic drug industries contribute to easily accessible and affordable drugs. To tackle this problem, prescriptions and sales of antibiotics need to be regulated and integrated in a national HMIS. Awareness programs for antibiotic providers that promote understanding of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance through tailored interventions may be helpful in changing current antibiotic sales practices. Therefore, this study will attempt to identify the underlying causes of irrational anti-microbial usage in Bangladesh, which were grouped into four interlinked areas - lack of awareness among patients/ consumers (demand side), perverse incentives and lack of knowledge among providers (supply side), poorly regulated pharmaceutical marketing and retail sales (regulatory side) and lack of data and research evidence to support awareness raising and policymaking (enabler).

This is a pioneering study in Bangladesh that introduces a comprehensive digital pharmacy management system, demonstrating its feasibility and acceptability while highlighting potential challenges. The intervention showed promise in improving record-keeping, raising awareness, and promoting rational antibiotic use. The cloud-based server of this system allows its integration with existing government data systems, providing it the privilege to scale up to a nationwide level and achieve sustainability. With adequate support and strategies to mitigate profit-driven noncompliance, such pharmacy-based interventions can play a vital role in national efforts to combat AMR.

The study is expected to bring light upon a comprehensive understanding of the current level of knowledge, perception and practice of irrational use of anti-microbials among target population. Furthermore, a digital intervention design will be produced and piloted to reduce irrational use of anti-microbials after considering its effectiveness. The wide range of the study findings will aid in assessing the acceptability, adoption, feasibility and cost of the intervention to make recommendations on sustainability and scaling up of the intervention programs.