Three million child deaths linked to drug resistance, study shows

BBC - Apr 12th, 2025

A recent study by experts in child health reveals that over three million children died in 2022 due to infections resistant to antibiotics, with Africa and South East Asia experiencing the highest risk. The study indicates a more than tenfold increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections among children in just three years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, led by Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu and Prof. Herb Harwell, highlights the alarming rise in the use of 'watch' and 'reserve' antibiotics, which are meant for serious infections, thus stressing the scarcity of treatment options if resistance to these drugs continues to grow.

Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as a major global health threat, with the potential to reverse decades of progress in child health, especially in vulnerable regions. Prof. Harwell, presenting these findings at an upcoming congress in Vienna, emphasizes the complexity of the AMR issue, which permeates all aspects of human life, including medicine, food, and the environment. The study calls for increased immunization, improved water sanitation, and vigilant antibiotic use to combat this crisis, warning that without decisive global action, AMR could have devastating implications worldwide.

World Health Organization Africa Covid 19 Pandemic Antimicrobial Resistance Child Health South East Asia Yanhong Jessika Hu Herb Harwell Clinton Health Access Initiative Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a compelling overview of the significant threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, particularly its impact on child mortality. It scores highly in timeliness and public interest, reflecting the urgent need for awareness and action on this pressing global health issue. The use of credible sources and expert opinions enhances its reliability, though the lack of detailed methodology and transparency slightly undermines its accuracy.

While the article effectively communicates the severity of the AMR problem, it could improve balance by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and potential solutions. The readability and clarity are strong, making the complex topic accessible to a broad audience. However, the article could further engage readers by providing more interactive elements or exploring controversial aspects in greater depth.

Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness and prompting discussion on AMR, but it would benefit from additional transparency and a broader exploration of viewpoints and solutions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, notably the assertion that over three million children died in 2022 due to antibiotic-resistant infections. This claim is significant and aligns with the general understanding that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat, yet such a high figure requires verification through the sources cited, such as WHO and World Bank data.

The story accurately describes AMR and its implications, which are consistent with established scientific understanding. However, the claim of a tenfold increase in AMR-related infections in just three years is dramatic and needs more detailed backing or comparison with prior studies to ensure accuracy.

The article's mention of the Covid pandemic exacerbating AMR issues is plausible, given the increased use of antibiotics during the pandemic, but lacks specific data or evidence. Overall, while the story is largely aligned with known facts about AMR, the accuracy of specific figures and claims should be carefully verified against authoritative sources.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the negative impact of AMR on children, particularly in Africa and South East Asia, which is important but limits the scope of perspectives. It does not explore other regions or demographics that might also be significantly affected by AMR.

While the article includes quotes from experts like Prof Harwell and Dr. Edwards, it does not provide counterpoints or discuss potential solutions in depth. This could give an impression of imbalance, as the focus remains heavily on the problem without exploring diverse viewpoints or potential mitigating strategies.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a concise explanation of AMR and its implications for child health. It uses straightforward language to explain complex medical concepts, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The inclusion of expert quotes helps to clarify the significance of the findings. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of certain claims, such as the tenfold increase in infections, to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article references credible sources, including the World Health Organization and the World Bank, which are authoritative in the field of global health. The lead authors, Dr. Yanhong Jessika Hu and Prof Herb Harwell, are associated with reputable institutions, adding credibility to the findings.

However, the article does not provide direct access to the study itself or detailed methodology, which would enhance source transparency and allow for independent verification. Despite this, the reliance on recognized experts and organizations supports the overall reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology of the study it discusses. While it mentions the use of data from WHO and the World Bank, it does not elaborate on how this data was analyzed or how the conclusions were reached.

Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the study's findings. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's ability to assess the impartiality and reliability of the claims made.