#None #Global Health #Antimicrobial Resistance #Child Health

Over 3 Million Children Died from AMR Infections in 2022

A groundbreaking study presented at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference has revealed a staggering statistic: more than 3 million children died worldwide in 2022 as a result of infections linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This distressing figure underscores the immediate need for comprehensive strategies at both regional and global levels to tackle pediatric AMR, particularly in regions heavily burdened by the crisis, such as Southeast Asia and Africa.

Understanding AMR and Its Impact

Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to young populations, who are especially susceptible to infections. Compounding this issue is the lack of access to novel antibiotic formulations for children, attributed to delays in product development. This situation significantly hinders treatment options for vulnerable populations, leading to preventable losses of young lives.

The data from the study highlights alarming deaths: in Southeast Asia, over 752,000 children lost their lives due to AMR-related complications, while in Africa, the number stood at 659,000. Many of these fatalities were associated with the use of 'Watch' antibiotics—drugs that carry a high risk of developing resistance—and 'Reserve' antibiotics, employed as last-resort treatments for severe, multidrug-resistant infections. These categories of antibiotics are not intended for initial treatment, making their untargeted use a serious risk.

Rising Antibiotic Usage is a Double-Edged Sword

Between 2019 and 2021, there was a significant surge in the utilization of 'Watch' antibiotics in Southeast Asia (increased by 160%) and Africa (126%). Concurrently, the use of 'Reserve' antibiotics also saw a sizable rise of 45% in Southeast Asia and 125% in Africa. Alarmingly, of the total deaths reported in 2022, approximately 2 million were linked directly to the use of these high-risk antibiotic classes.

Professor Joseph Harwell, a co-author of the study, commented on the situation: "While the increase in the application of Watch and Reserve antibiotics may be necessary due to the rise of drug-resistant infections, it presents several long-term risks that cannot be ignored. This upswing in usage, especially without proper monitoring, heightens resistance risks and restricts future treatment avenues. If bacterial strains develop resistance to these crucial antibiotics, we will face a dire situation with limited or no alternatives for treating multidrug-resistant infections."

Factors Contributing to AMR Severity

Several factors exacerbate the AMR crisis in lower- and middle-income countries. These include overcrowded healthcare facilities, poor sanitation conditions, and inadequate infection prevention measures, which facilitate the dissemination of resistant pathogens both within healthcare settings and the wider community.

Professor Harwell further stated, "The mortality rates, which are already alarmingly high, are likely to soar further, especially in lower-income countries where access to alternative treatments and advanced medical interventions is limited. It is crucial that we initiate urgent and coordinated actions on both regional and global fronts to tackle this pressing issue."

The Path Forward

To improve the situation, concerted global efforts are essential. Strategies must focus on enhancing access to effective treatments, promoting better sanitation and healthcare practices, and carefully regulating the use of antibiotics to preserve their efficacy. Developing a robust framework that includes stakeholders from various sectors—healthcare, policy-making, industry, and communities—will be vital for constructing a sustainable path towards combating AMR.

In conclusion, the health of millions of children hangs in the balance due to antimicrobial resistance, and addressing this challenge demands immediate attention and action from all levels of society.