Global Projections of Antimicrobial Resistance in Children
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By
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Yanhong Jessika Hu
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Hong Qiu
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Joseph I. Harwell
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Penelope A. Bryant
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October 1, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Global Projections of Antimicrobial Resistance in Children
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) |
| Key Mechanisms | Undermines antibiotic efficacy, complicates infectious disease management. |
| Target Population | Children, particularly those under 5 years and vulnerable populations. |
| Care Setting | Global health surveillance and pediatric infectious disease management. |
Key Highlights
- AMR linked to an estimated 840,000 deaths among children under 5 in 2021.
- Over 90% of children receive at least one antibiotic by their first birthday.
- Multidrug-resistant organisms account for up to 10% of bloodstream infections in children.
- Responses to pediatric AMR are constrained by inadequate surveillance.
- The WHO has established frameworks for prioritizing AMR surveillance.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize WHO AWaRe classification for antibiotic resistance assessment.
Management
- Implement AMR surveillance tailored to pediatric populations.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Conduct longitudinal studies to track resistance patterns over time.
Risks
- Increased morbidity and mortality associated with AMR in children.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children categorized into age groups: 0-2 years, 3-12 years, 13-18 years.
Inadequate antibiotic formulations appropriate for children.
Clinical Best Practices
- Adhere to standardized testing methods for AMR surveillance.
- Ensure representative sampling of isolates in AMR studies.
- Utilize the ATLAS dataset for informed clinical decision-making.
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