- The 'AWaRe' classification in the WHO Essential Medicines List is designed to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
- The acronym stands for Access, Watch, and Reserve, which are categories that group antibiotics based on their potential to cause resistance and their importance in clinical practice.

- Access antibiotics are those that should be widely available as they are effective and have a lower risk of resistance.
- Watch antibiotics have a higher potential for resistance and should be prescribed more cautiously.
- Reserve antibiotics are last-resort options used for multi-resistant infections to preserve their effectiveness.

This classification aims to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and institutions in optimizing antibiotic use, reducing misuse, and consequently limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Thus, the primary focus of the AWaRe classification is on antibiotic resistance, not analgesic potency, antiviral spectrum, or antifungal efficacy.