What factor does the WHO NOT consider when categorizing antimicrobials?

The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes antimicrobials based on several critical factors that impact public health and treatment efficacy. One of the aspects considered is whether the drug is effective and necessary for specific infections, such as whether it is the only treatment available. They also assess antimicrobial drug classes to understand their spectrum of activity and potential issues like resistance.

Public preference, however, is not a factor utilized by the WHO in these categorization efforts. The WHO's primary focus is on clinical considerations, resistance patterns, and health relevance rather than individual or population preferences for specific medications. This emphasis ensures that the categorization system helps in formulating guidelines that prioritize effective treatment options and promote appropriate use of antimicrobials to combat resistance. As a result, public preference does not play a role in how antimicrobials are categorized by the WHO.