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Rising Antibiotic Resistance Claims Millions of Children’s Lives
A recent study reveals that antimicrobial resistance (AMR), when bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics, led to over three million child deaths in 2022, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. This alarming rise highlights a tenfold increase in AMR-related deaths in just three years, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially exacerbating the crisis.
Antibiotics, essential for treating infections like pneumonia and skin infections, have been overused, especially in regions where their usage increased significantly. The study found a 160% rise in "watch antibiotics" use in Southeast Asia between 2019 and 2021, and a 125% increase in Africa, risking further resistance to critical drugs. Experts emphasize that if these drugs fail, there will be few alternatives left for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls AMR one of the most significant global health threats, urging improved sanitation, immunization, and careful antibiotic use to combat this crisis.
23-04-2025