Meet “Andi Biotic” — a cartoon character dreamt up by UK health officials to challenge public misconceptions about antibiotics.
The pill-shaped mascot has been drafted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on a mission to enlist young adults in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The initiative follows research showing that many people do not understand how their actions contribute to AMR.
Targeting Younger Adults
Andi Biotic’s social media message to “keep antibiotics working” is aimed at people aged between 18 and 34 years. According to a UKHSA survey last year, 41% of this age group reported obtaining antibiotics incorrectly — far higher than the 23% in the general population.
Examples included buying antibiotics online or from a shop that was not a pharmacy, obtaining them while abroad without a prescription from a healthcare professional, or using medicines originally prescribed for someone else.
“Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country and is one of the biggest threats to our future health,” said Professor Dame Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, in a statement.
Misconceptions and Uncertainty
The online survey, conducted in March 2024, included 5914 UK residents aged 16 and over. It found that 42% were personally concerned about AMR. However, 54% of respondents either believed there was nothing they could do to prevent AMR or were unsure of how to help.
The 6-week campaign will urge the public to:
- Avoid using antibiotics for colds and flu
- Only take antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional
- Follow prescription instructions carefully
- Never save antibiotics for future use
Report Highlighted Limited Progress
The campaign launch comes amid criticism of the UK government’s response to AMR. A recent National Audit Office report found limited progress in achieving targets set in the AMR National Action Plan 2019-2024.
Of the key national targets set in the plan — which included cutting UK antimicrobial use in humans by 15% — only one, ie reducing antibiotic use in food-producing animals, had been met. Furthermore, drug-resistant infections in humans had increased by 13% since 2018, the report highlighted.
Antimicrobial Resistance Poses Threat to Routine Care
The World Health Organization has declared AMR one of the top global health threats. Tens of thousands of people develop AMR each year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, warned in a statement that the rise of “superbugs” could “send us back to a pre-antibiotic era”, where routine surgeries like C-sections, hip replacements, and cancer treatments would become risky.
“That’s why it’s crucial young people understand the proper use of antibiotics to help prevent drug-resistant superbugs now and in the future,” he said.
Dr Rob Hicks is a retired NHS doctor. A well-known TV and radio broadcaster, he has written three books and has regularly contributed to national newspapers, magazines, and online. He is based in the UK.