On fireworks and finding ways to address drug resistance in low- and middle-income countries

GARDP REVIVE Blog– December 17, 2019. I was recently asked if I thought behavior change around antibiotics was possible, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which have historically had limited controls around the use of these drugs. My answer is a qualified ‘yes’. Behavior change is possible, provided it is evidence-based and with the understanding that meaningful transformation takes time. For a practical example of this, I often reflect on India’s experience with public attitudes towards fireworks during the Diwali festival. –Ramanan Laxminarayan.