Antimicrobial resistance in children: A global health threat
Verified by Dr. Dhanya Dharmapalan, Consultant-Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Apollo Children’s, Navi Mumbai & National Coordinator of Apollo Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (germs) to withstand the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antimalarials. This means that microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can survive and even multiply despite the presence of drugs commonly targeted to kill them. This makes treatment of infections due to antimicrobial resistant germs very challenging.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Antimicrobial Resistant (AR) pathogens are projected to kill 10 million people annually by the year 2050 as against 700,000 deaths per year, of which around 200,000 are newborns currently. India is and will be one of the worst affected countries.
Why are newborns and children affected at a higher rate?
- Children are more vulnerable to AMR infections because their immune systems are still developing.
- They are also more likely to get sick from infections, and they might be given antibiotics more often than adults.
- Infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, ear infections, blood stream infections (sepsis) can be caused by antimicrobial resistant organisms leaving very limited options to treat. There has been dramatic reduction in the development of new antimicrobials due to high costs involved and complexities of clinical trials.
How to prevent antimicrobial resistance?
Since use of antimicrobials is a driving force for development of antimicrobial resistance, we must help preserve the existing antimicrobials and prevent its unnecessary use in following ways:
- Use antimicrobials only when prescribed by the doctor.
- When an antimicrobial is prescribed, it is important to take it in the dose and duration prescribed.
- Please note that most of the infections like cold, watery loose motions are caused by viruses which require only symptomatic treatment. Antibiotics do not have any action on viruses and are to be generally avoided to prevent their misuse.
- Antibiotics are different from antipyretics like paracetamol which are used to control fever. Antibiotics are required only in limited conditions where the cause of fever is due to bacteria.
- Do not indulge in self-medication; Do not use left-over antimicrobials or past prescriptions; do not purchase antimicrobials over the counter without a valid prescription.
- It is also important to prevent infections by vaccination and observing good personal hygiene.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme at Apollo Children’s Navi Mumbai
We at Apollo Children’s, Navi Mumbai believe in improving awareness about antimicrobial resistance for which, we have started the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) to sensitize doctors and healthcare providers on antimicrobial resistance and promote rational use of antibiotics.
Apollo Children’s not only ensures all with access to the latest in pediatric healthcare but also provides comprehensive care under one roof, renowned and experienced doctors, skilled nurses, rehabilitation, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a continuum of care for your growing child.
Connect with us for all problems related to newborns, infants and children.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment with Dr. Dhanya Dharmapalan, Consultant-Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Apollo Children’s, Navi Mumbai & National Coordinator of Apollo Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme.