Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

3 Million Children Died Due To Anti-Microbial Resistance In 2022, Data Shows

More than three million children around the world are thought to have died in 2022 as a result of infections that are resistant to antibiotics, new research has found. While these infections impact kids across the world, those in Africa and Southeast Asia are most at risk. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops when the microbes that cause infections evolve so that antibiotic drugs no longer work. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is "one of the top global public health and development threats."

A new study now reveals the toll that AMR is taking on children. Using data from multiple sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, researchers calculated that there were more than three million child deaths in 2022 linked to drug-resistant infections. Experts say this new study highlights a more than tenfold increase in AMR-related infections in children in just three years. Experts opine that these numbers could have been made worse by the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.

As antibiotic resistance increases, even common infections could become difficult to treat. For example, some doctors have already reported patients needing hospitalization for simple urinary tract infections. This rise in resistance could lead to more complications in hospitals, longer stays, and higher medical costs.

For their study, the researchers examined over 858,000 bacterial isolates collected between 2004 and 2021 from 83 countries, with more than 100,000 samples from children. The study was published in the journal SSRN. The study highlights significant geographic and temporal variations in pediatric AMR, underscoring the need for targeting several countries as compared to others.

Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis, reducing the effectiveness of treatments for common infections. The 2022 GLASS report revealed alarming resistance rates: 42% for cephalosporin-resistant *E. coli* and 35% for methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus*. In 2020, 1 in 5 urinary tract infections caused by *E. coli* were resistant to standard antibiotics. Resistance in *Klebsiella pneumoniae* and rising use of last-resort drugs like carbapenems are further worsening the situation, with projections indicating a twofold increase in resistance by 2035.

Drug resistance isn’t limited to bacteria. WHO is closely monitoring resistant fungal infections, notably *Candida auris*, which is difficult to treat and linked to high mortality. HIV drug resistance, often due to poor treatment adherence or drug interactions, compromises antiretroviral therapy. Similarly, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a severe public health threat, with limited access to effective treatments. Only 40% of those needing treatment for drug-resistant TB received it in 2022.

Malaria control is challenged by resistance to artemisinin-based therapies in Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, drug resistance in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy and leishmaniasis threatens global eradication efforts. Strengthened surveillance, stewardship, and development of second-line treatments are essential to curb this growing menace.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

3-million-children-died-due-to-anti-microbial-resistance-in-2022-data-shows

Anti-microbial resistance

world health organization

covid

fda-recalls-popular-thyroid-medication-what-levothyroxine-users-need-to-know

FDA Recalls Popular Thyroid Medication: What Levothyroxine Users Need to Know

florida-sees-rise-in-leprosy-cases-why-is-the-ancient-disease-still-found-in-this-state

Florida Sees Rise In Leprosy Cases: Why Is The Ancient Disease Still Found In This State

cdcs-vaccines-do-not-cause-autism-webpage-sparks-debate-republican-senator-seeks-clarity

CDC's 'Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism' Webpage Sparks Debate; Republican Senator Seeks Clarity

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

More than three million children around the world are thought to have died in 2022 as a result of infections that are resistant to antibiotics, new research has found. While these infections impact kids across the world, those in Africa and Southeast Asia are most at risk. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops when the microbes that cause infections evolve so that antibiotic drugs no longer work. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is "one of the top global public health and development threats."A new study now reveals the toll that AMR is taking on children. Using data from multiple sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, researchers calculated that there were more than three million child deaths in 2022 linked to drug-resistant infections. Experts say this new study highlights a more than tenfold increase in AMR-related infections in children in just three years. Experts opine that these numbers could have been made worse by the impact of the COVID pandemic.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.As antibiotic resistance increases, even common infections could become difficult to treat. For example, some doctors have already reported patients needing hospitalization for simple urinary tract infections. This rise in resistance could lead to more complications in hospitals, longer stays, and higher medical costs.For their study, the researchers examined over 858,000 bacterial isolates collected between 2004 and 2021 from 83 countries, with more than 100,000 samples from children. The study was published in the journal SSRN. The study highlights significant geographic and temporal variations in pediatric AMR, underscoring the need for targeting several countries as compared to others.What Is AMR?Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis, reducing the effectiveness of treatments for common infections. The 2022 GLASS report revealed alarming resistance rates: 42% for cephalosporin-resistant *E. coli* and 35% for methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus*. In 2020, 1 in 5 urinary tract infections caused by *E. coli* were resistant to standard antibiotics. Resistance in *Klebsiella pneumoniae* and rising use of last-resort drugs like carbapenems are further worsening the situation, with projections indicating a twofold increase in resistance by 2035.Drug resistance isn’t limited to bacteria. WHO is closely monitoring resistant fungal infections, notably *Candida auris*, which is difficult to treat and linked to high mortality. HIV drug resistance, often due to poor treatment adherence or drug interactions, compromises antiretroviral therapy. Similarly, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a severe public health threat, with limited access to effective treatments. Only 40% of those needing treatment for drug-resistant TB received it in 2022.Malaria control is challenged by resistance to artemisinin-based therapies in Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, drug resistance in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy and leishmaniasis threatens global eradication efforts. Strengthened surveillance, stewardship, and development of second-line treatments are essential to curb this growing menace.

3 million children died due to anti-microbial resistance in 2022, data shows

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.