Antibiotic resistance is now firmly on the global radar. For 2015, GRIP has reaffirmed it is committed to maintaining its prominence and sustaining strategies for its containment.

The GRIP strategy was initially global but has since focused on both global and local initiatives, after recognising that there are specific challenges and opportunities in certain regions. The 2015 initiatives will be centered on maximising awareness through educating and driving implementation at a local level. This will be achieved through new local antibiotic awareness campaigns in all regions, and by providing markets with the knowledge and tools to implement their local campaigns.

Throughout the forthcoming year, GRIP intends to further disseminate its messaging surrounding the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the management of URTIs. Identification of the key challenges in each country and tailoring initiatives put in place in each of these countries will be imperative. It was agreed by the group that GRIP materials are important in increasing outreach to patients, pharmacists and prescribers.