Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a distant threat—it’s a silent epidemic, and it’s killing millions of children across the globe.
A new study led by child health experts has revealed that in 2022 alone, more than three million children died due to infections resistant to antibiotics, with Africa and Southeast Asia bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The groundbreaking report, co-authored by Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu of Australia’s Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Professor Herb Harwell of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, paints a disturbing picture of how lifesaving antibiotics are being overused or misused—especially in vulnerable regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
According to The BBC, the study highlighted a 160% surge in the use of “watch antibiotics” in Southeast Asia and a 126% increase in Africa between 2019 and 2021. These drugs, meant for limited use due to their high risk of causing resistance, are now being administered at alarming rates.
Even more troubling is the rise in the use of “reserve antibiotics” drugs reserved for last-resort cases by 45% in Southeast Asia and a staggering 125% in Africa.
Africa now records the highest global mortality rate from AMR-related infections, with 27.3 deaths per 1,000 people. The continent already carries a heavy burden of infectious diseases, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains is compounding an already dire public health landscape.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and render antibiotics ineffective. This makes once-treatable infections life-threatening and puts routine procedures like surgeries and childbirth at greater risk. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a senior microbiology lecturer at King’s College London, described the findings as “a significant and alarming increase” from previous years. “This data reveals the true scale of the crisis we’re facing,” she said.
The report also identifies key drivers of AMR in low-resource settings: misuse of antibiotics, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, low immunisation coverage, and poor regulation of pharmaceutical sales.
While access to antibiotics is essential, Professor Harwell warns that “the real challenge is not just availability, but appropriate use.” He stresses that medical practitioners need to “prescribe the right drug for the right infection” and avoid unnecessary antibiotic exposure that accelerates resistance.
To combat this growing threat, the report calls for stronger regulatory policies, increased funding for immunisation and hygiene infrastructure and global cooperation to ensure responsible antibiotic use. It also urges countries, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, to invest in AMR surveillance systems, data collection, and public awareness campaigns.
