Vienna, Austria — April 13, 2025 — A groundbreaking study presented today at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference in Vienna has revealed a devastating statistic: over 3 million children worldwide died in 2022 from infections linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The findings spotlight AMR as one of the most urgent global health crises of our time—particularly for children in South-East Asia and Africa, where the burden is highest.
A Mounting Global Threat
The study found that in 2022 alone, 752,000 children in South-East Asia and 659,000 in Africa died of AMR-related complications, with more than 1.5 million additional deaths recorded across other regions. Many of these fatalities were linked to the overuse of so-called Watch and Reserve antibiotics—powerful drugs meant to be used sparingly.
Professor Joseph Harwell, co-author of the study and Senior Clinical Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), warned of dire consequences if trends continue unchecked:
“While the rise in use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics may be necessary to combat resistant infections, the sharp increase poses serious long-term risks. If bacteria develop resistance to these drugs, there will be few, if any, alternatives left to treat multidrug-resistant infections.”
Why Children Are at Greater Risk
Children remain one of the most vulnerable populations affected by AMR, yet they are often neglected in global health initiatives. CHAI, as a founding member of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) with the World Health Organization (WHO), continues to advocate for greater investment in pediatric medicine development and access.
The crisis is worsened in low- and middle-income countries by a combination of overcrowded hospitals, inadequate sanitation, limited diagnostics, and the overuse or misuse of antibiotics—often prescribed without confirmation of bacterial infection.
Between 2019 and 2021, the study found the use of Watch antibiotics increased by 160% in South-East Asia and 126% in Africa, while Reserve antibiotics use rose by 45% and 125% in the same regions, respectively.
Urgent Call for Coordinated Global Action
Experts emphasize that addressing AMR requires a “One Health” approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health systems. Professor Harwell urged policymakers to adopt stronger, evidence-based stewardship:
“We need cost-effective systems that inform treatment guidelines and measure intervention impact. Policymakers must mandate hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs in all pediatric healthcare facilities, and improve age-specific classifications to better track resistance patterns among children.”
Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania have begun implementing surveillance systems and national AMR policies—but the study concludes that far greater global coordination is needed to prevent future generations from facing a post-antibiotic era.
Natural Ways to Strengthen the Immune System and Combat Infection
While the global community works to slow antibiotic resistance, individuals can take meaningful steps to support natural immunity and help the body resist infections more effectively.
1. Optimize Nutritional Defenses
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports every phase of immune function. Key nutrients include:
- Vitamin A – Supports mucosal defenses in the respiratory and gut linings.
- Vitamin C and Zinc – Enhance white blood cell activity and shorten infection duration.
- Vitamin D – Modulates immune response and reduces inflammatory overreaction.
- Selenium and Iron – Support antibody formation and oxygen transport for immune cells.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, garlic, onions, mushrooms, and omega-3 fats provide natural immune support.
2. Maintain Gut Health
Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. Probiotics (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains) and prebiotic fibers (found in onions, leeks, and bananas) strengthen gut integrity and limit harmful bacterial growth.
3. Strengthen Natural Barriers
Regular hydration, nasal saline rinses, and adequate sleep maintain healthy mucous membranes—the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
4. Reduce Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress suppresses immune function by elevating cortisol. Prayer, breathing exercises, moderate exercise, and quiet reflection all support balanced immune regulation.
5. Support with Herbal and Nutritional Adjuncts
Research supports immune-modulating botanicals such as echinacea, elderberry, astragalus, garlic extract, and andrographis for their antiviral and antibacterial effects. Always use them under professional supervision.
6. Chiropractic and Nervous System Support
Since immune response is closely regulated by the nervous system, maintaining proper spinal alignment and nerve function can help optimize immune coordination and recovery.
Takeaway
Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis, but personal health resilience starts with strengthening the body’s innate defenses. Proper nutrition, rest, and natural support not only reduce infection severity but may also decrease the need for unnecessary antibiotics—helping preserve their effectiveness for those who truly need them.