More than three million children globally are estimated to have died from infections resistant to antibiotics in 2022, according to a significant research study led by experts in child health. The greatest risk is faced by children in Africa and South East Asia. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat, evolving as the microbes causing infections grow immune to standard antibiotic treatments. The research draws upon data from various authoritative sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to paint a grim picture of child health in relation to AMR.
The report highlights that cases of AMR-related infections have surged over tenfold in just three years, possibly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic's impact. Antibiotics, widely used to treat bacterial infections ranging from skin infections to pneumonia, have little effect on viral illnesses. Unfortunately, excessive and improper use of these medications has led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. While new antibiotics are essential for tackling such infections, the pace of their development has significantly slowed.
Key authors of the report, Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Professor Herb Harwell from the Clinton Health Access Initiative, have tracked a considerable spike in the use of "watch antibiotics" intended for severe infections. Between 2019 and 2021, these antibiotics' usage soared 160% in South East Asia and 126% in Africa. Similarly, the employment of "reserve antibiotics," which are last-resort treatments for resistant infections, increased by 45% in South East Asia and 125% in Africa during the same timeframe.
The researchers warn that as bacteria increasingly resist antibiotic treatments, healthcare professionals will find fewer alternatives to combat multidrug-resistant infections. During an upcoming presentation at the Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Vienna, Professor Harwell acknowledged the gravity of the AMR issue, especially as it disproportionately affects children.
Despite WHO’s acknowledgment of AMR as a critical global health issue, solutions remain elusive. Professor Harwell described it as a complex crisis intertwined with various facets of medicine and everyday life. The most effective strategy against resistant infections is preventive, necessitating improved immunization, sanitation, and hygiene practices, he noted.
Additionally, Dr. Lindsey Edwards from King's College London emphasized the study's concerning findings, advocating for urgent action from global health leaders to prevent AMR from reversing advances in child healthcare, particularly in vulnerable regions. The consequences of inaction could be dire, with millions more at risk as antibiotic usage continues to rise.
