Antibiotic resistance is occurring everywhere in the world, compromising the treatment of infectious diseases and undermining many other advances in health and medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process. Tackling antibiotic resistance is a high priority for WHO. As part of implementation of objective 1 of the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, WHO is coordinating ‘Antibiotics: Handle with care’, a global campaign to raise awareness and encourage best practices among the public, policymakers, health and agriculture professionals.