Study: Antibiotic-resistant infections caused over 3 million child deaths in 2022

International

ANTIBIOTICS save lives, but what happens when they stop working?

In 2022, more than three million children worldwide died from infections that no longer respond to antibiotic treatment, a growing issue that is part of a global health threat called antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

A study showed that drug-resistant infections are rising fast and hurting the youngest and most vulnerable people the most.

Antibiotics are supposed to fight bacteria. But over time, bacteria like E. coli, which usually causes food poisoning, have developed ways to survive treatment.

Children in Africa and South East Asia are reported to be the most at risk, a report by BBC stated.

The report added that according to a recent global study, AMR has become one of the biggest public health concerns facing humanity.

By using data from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, researchers found that millions of children's deaths in 2022 were linked to antibiotic-resistant infections.

The impact is even more alarming when compared to past years—experts estimate that in just three years,

AMR-related child infections grew more than ten times with the COVID-19 pandemic which may have made the problem worse due to the increased use of antibiotics.

Antibiotics treat a wide range of illnesses—from skin infections to severe diseases like pneumonia. They’re also given before surgeries or cancer treatments to help prevent infection.

However, antibiotics do not work against viruses such as the flu, common cold, or COVID-19. Despite this, many people still take them for viral illnesses, which can cause bacteria to evolve and resist treatment.

What's worse is the rapid rise in the use of strong antibiotics. These are called "watch antibiotics" and are supposed to be used only in serious cases.

The study showed that between 2019 and 2021, their use increased by 160% in South East Asia and 126% in Africa. The even stronger "reserve antibiotics", which are the last option for deadly, drug-resistant infections, saw a 45% rise in South East Asia and a 125% jump in Africa.

If these medicines stop working, doctors may have no options left for treating some life-threatening conditions.

Professor Herb Harwell, one of the lead researchers, warned that AMR affects everyone, but children are suffering the most.

“We estimate three million deaths of children worldwide associated with antimicrobial resistance,” he said in the BBC report.

The WHO also recognizes AMR as a critical health emergency. Antibiotics are now found not just in medicine but also in food and water, making the issue even harder to solve.

Instead of relying more on antibiotics, experts call for better prevention of infections through vaccination programs, access to clean water, and a good hygiene and sanitation

Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a microbiologist from King’s College London, described the results of the study as "alarming" and urged health leaders to act fast:

“Without decisive action, AMR could undo years of progress in child health—especially in the world’s poorest regions,” Edwards said.(Loremie T. Bustria, CTU-TC Intern)