A recent study has revealed that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused the deaths of more than three million children worldwide in 2022. Children in Africa and Southeast Asia were found to be at the highest risk, highlighting a grave public health issue that continues to escalate.
AMR occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of the drugs designed to kill them. This has become one of the most significant threats to global health, with infections that were once treatable becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Antibiotics, which are essential for treating bacterial infections ranging from pneumonia to skin infections, have been rendered less effective due to the overuse and misuse of these drugs. In some cases, bacteria have developed resistance, particularly when antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, such as in cases where they are prescribed for viral infections like the common cold or the flu, where they offer no benefit.
According to the new study, which utilized data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, the number of child deaths attributed to drug-resistant infections has increased significantly in recent years. This surge, more than ten times the previous numbers, reflects an alarming trend over just three years. Experts suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem, potentially accelerating the rise of AMR due to disruptions in healthcare systems and the heightened use of antibiotics during the pandemic.
Antibiotics are typically used to treat a range of bacterial infections, and in some instances, they are administered as a precautionary measure. For example, they are often given to patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy to prevent potential infections. However, the problem arises when certain antibiotics are overused, particularly those that should be reserved for the most severe infections. In regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa, the use of these “watch” antibiotics, which carry a high risk of resistance, has risen dramatically in recent years—by 160 percent and 126 percent, respectively, between 2019 and 2021. Similarly, the use of “reserve” antibiotics, which are intended as last-resort treatments for multidrug-resistant infections, has also increased significantly during the same period, with increases of 45 percent and 125 percent, respectively, in these regions.
The overuse of these vital antibiotics could lead to a situation where bacteria develop resistance to all available drugs, leaving little to no options for treating serious infections. This growing trend in AMR presents a critical challenge, not only in child health but in global healthcare systems as a whole.
The World Health Organization has long described AMR as one of the most significant global health threats. Yet, experts warn that finding a solution is no easy task. The problem is deeply ingrained in the fabric of modern medicine, as antibiotics are used not only in healthcare settings but also in agriculture, where they are added to animal feed to prevent disease and promote growth. As a result, AMR is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach.
One of the most effective ways to combat AMR is by preventing infections in the first place. This involves improving immunization rates, enhancing water sanitation, and promoting better hygiene practices globally. Furthermore, ensuring that antibiotics are used appropriately and only when necessary is crucial. Healthcare professionals must make sure that the right antibiotics are prescribed for the right infections, and that treatment courses are followed correctly to prevent the development of resistance.
The alarming findings of this study underscore the urgency of addressing AMR, particularly in vulnerable regions. Without decisive action, AMR could reverse decades of progress in child health, leaving millions more at risk of preventable deaths from infections that once could have been easily treated.
