AWaRe1 Socialization & Coordination: Optimizing Antibiotic Use in Primary Care

In recent years, antibiotic resistance has emerged as a pressing global concern. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in primary health care settings contributes significantly to this growing threat. To address the challenge, the global AWaRe1 initiative was launched, aiming to promote more rational and safer antibiotic prescribing practices.

On Monday, January 6, 2026, the UGM Reproductive Health Center, in collaboration with the Purworejo District Health Office, held an AWaRe1 Socialization and Coordination meeting at the Morazen Hotel in Kulonprogo. The meeting was attended by representatives from 24 community health centers and primary health facilities in Purworejo, focusing on discussions around the implementation of the AWaRe1 program in practice.

Responding to the long-standing collaboration between the UGM Reproductive Health Center and the Purworejo District Health Office, the Head of the Purworejo District Health Office, dr. Sudarmi, MM, emphasized the importance of this initiative and invited all parties to support the success of the program

“The collaboration between the UGM Reproductive Health Center and the Purworejo District Health Office has been ongoing since 1994 until today. This initiative is very important, and I invite all of us to work together to ensure the success of this program,” stated dr. Sudarmi, MM

The activity introduced AWaRe1, a global initiative aimed at improving the appropriate use of antibiotics in primary health care, particularly in cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI). The program is based on the WHO AWaRe (Access – Watch – Reserve) classification of antibiotics, which supports health workers in prescribing antibiotics more wisely and safely.

Through these efforts, the AWaRe1 program in Purworejo not only contributes to strengthening the quality of primary health services, but also supports the achievement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This initial step positions Purworejo as a potential model for effective implementation of the AWaRe system, contributing to global efforts to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.