A new study highlights a stark truth: more than three million child deaths in 2022 were linked to drug-resistant infections. The finding underscores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major global health threat that disproportionately affects children in Africa and Southeast Asia. AMR occurs when microbes adapt and antibiotics fail to work, risking public health worldwide.
The analysis draws on data from trusted institutions, including the World Health Organization and the World Bank. It shows a troubling rise in AMR-related infections among children over just a three-year window, a trend that may have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts describe a tenfold increase in AMR cases, calling for immediate action. Contributing factors include the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to prevent infections ahead of surgeries or chemotherapy, even though they do not treat viral illnesses such as colds, flu, or COVID-19.
A notable shift involves “watch antibiotics”—drugs reserved for severe infections—which increased by 160 percent in Southeast Asia and 126 percent in Africa between 2019 and 2021. “Reserve antibiotics,” used as last-line defenses against resistant infections, also rose by 45 percent in Southeast Asia and 125 percent in Africa during the same period. If these trends continue, treatment options for common bacterial infections could become severely limited.
The implications for Thailand and similar countries are significant. Balancing antibiotic stewardship with accessible healthcare remains a challenge in densely populated areas and busy markets. Thai cultural contexts, including traditional medicine practices, meet modern medicine in nuanced ways that influence how antibiotics are used and perceived.
Leading researchers presenting these findings at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases stressed that AMR is a global problem with a disproportionate impact on children. The message is clear: comprehensive, sustained strategies are needed—not quick fixes. Preventive measures such as stronger immunization programs, better water and sanitation, and reinforced hygiene can reduce infections and cut the demand for antibiotics.
Public health experts urge Thailand to pursue a multifaceted approach. Encouraging responsible antibiotic use, boosting public awareness about AMR, and integrating health education from primary school onward are essential steps. Collaboration among public health authorities, traditional medicine practitioners, and local communities will help build a coherent, culturally informed response.
In summary, AMR represents a clear threat to child health that requires urgent, coordinated action. By investing in prevention, education, and responsible antibiotic stewardship, Thailand can strengthen its resilience against drug-resistant infections and safeguard future generations.