Dramatic increase: Over 3 million children died from AMR infections in 2022!

Dramatic increase: Over 3 million children died from AMR infections in 2022!

An alarming study presented at ESCMID Global 2025 shows that over 3 million children died worldwide in 2022 from infections attributed to antibiotic resistance (AMR). The study highlights the urgency of developing regional and global strategies to combat pediatric antibiotic resistance, with a particular focus on the most affected regions of Southeast Asia and Africa. In these areas, 752,000 children in Southeast Asia and 659,000 children in Africa died from AMR-related complications. This situation is particularly critical because children are particularly susceptible to serious infections due to their immature immune defenses.

The study results suggest that many of these deaths are related to the use of watch antibiotics and reserve antibiotics. These medications are not intended for initial treatment and should only be used when necessary. Nevertheless, the use of Watch antibiotics increased by 160% in Southeast Asia and 126% in Africa between 2019 and 2021. The use of reserve antibiotics increased by 45% in Southeast Asia and by 125% in Africa during the same period.

Long-term risks and warning voices

More than 2 million of the over 3 million child deaths worldwide are associated with the use of these specific antibiotics. Professor Joseph Harwell, co-author of the study, warns of the long-term risks of increased use of such drugs. The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance is a serious threat that not only complicates the treatment of infections but also increases the need for new therapies and medications. Every use of antibiotics contributes to the development of resistance, which can quickly reduce the initial effectiveness of newly developed antibiotics.

Children, people with weak immune systems, older people, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and diabetics are particularly at risk. Increased mortality rates could thus rise again in low- and middle-income countries unless coordinated measures are taken promptly at regional and global levels.

Factors promoting AMR

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is driven by numerous factors, particularly in regions with overcrowded hospitals, poor sanitation and inadequate infection prevention measures. The loss of effectiveness of antibiotics is not only a challenge for healthcare, but also poses a significant threat to global health. In this context, it becomes clear that combating AMR is a task for society as a whole that requires international cooperation.

The urgency to create effective strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is greater than ever and requires immediate action to prevent future deaths and serious health crises. Further information on antibiotic resistance and its consequences is documented in various reports and studies that provide comprehensive insights into this critical issue. On the RKI Those interested can find out more about this topic. You can also find detailed information in the PDF documentation.