The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has brought back mascot ‘Andi Biotic’ for World Antimicrobial Resistance Week.

A new campaign shows the red and white pill character dancing in different places, including in a pharmacy.

The second wave of the Keep Antibiotics Working campaign has launched, with data showing that antibiotic-resistant infections have risen by 9.3 per cent in the past year.

UKHSA’s latest English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report, published last week, reveals that nearly 400 people are diagnosed with antibiotic-resistant infections every week in England.

And Biotic is showing people how to use antibiotics correctly.

Dr. Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist and clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and prescribing, UK Health Security Agency, said: "Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing modern medicine, but the good news is we can all do something about it. We know young people want to make a difference, and that’s exactly what Andi Biotic is here to help with.

"Yes, Andi’s fun and energetic – you might even catch him doing a disco in your local pharmacy – but the message is serious. By taking antibiotics only when you need them and following your healthcare professional’s advice, you’re helping to preserve these life-saving medicines for everyone, now and in the future."