The study, led by Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu and Professor Herb Harwell, indicates a more than tenfold increase in antibiotic resistance-related infections among children over the past three years.

A recent study presented at ESCMID Global 2025 reveals that over three million children worldwide died from infections resistant to antibiotics in 2022, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the most affected regions.

The World Health Organization recognizes AMR as a major global health issue, highlighting the need for improvements in sanitation, vaccination, and responsible antibiotic use.

Experts advocate for urgent coordinated actions at regional and global levels, including a 'One Health' approach to AMR surveillance and treatment guidelines.

In Southeast Asia alone, more than 752,000 child deaths were attributed to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complications, while Africa recorded 659,000 such deaths.

Between 2019 and 2021, the use of 'Watch antibiotics' surged by 160% in Southeast Asia and 126% in Africa, while 'Reserve antibiotics' saw increases of 45% and 125%, respectively.

This research serves as a call to action for global health leaders, stressing the urgent need for measures to combat antibiotic resistance, especially in vulnerable regions.

These deaths were primarily linked to the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, which carry a high risk of resistance and are intended for severe infections.

The study utilized data from the WHO and the World Bank to underscore the alarming trend of rising AMR-related infections.

Many low- and middle-income countries lack effective national surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs, complicating the tracking of resistance trends.

Professor Harwell emphasized that rising resistance rates will lead to higher treatment failures and increased mortality, particularly in regions with limited access to alternative treatments.

Dr. Lindsey Edwards from King's College London warns that without immediate global action, the findings could reverse progress in child health.