Three million child deaths linked to drug resistance
A new study now reveals the toll that AMR is taking on children.Using data from multiple sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, the report's authors have calculated there were more than three million child deaths in 2022 linked to drug-resistant infections.
Experts say this new study highlights a more than tenfold increase in AMR-related infections in children in just three years.The number could have been made worse by the impact of the Covid pandemic.
Increased use of antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent a huge range of bacterial infections - everything from skin infections to pneumonia. They are also sometimes given as a precaution to prevent, rather than treat, an infection - for example if someone is having an operation or receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.Antibiotics have no impact on viral infections, though - illnesses such as the common cold, flu or Covid.But some bacteria have now evolved resistance to some drugs, due to their overuse and inappropriate use, while the production of new antibiotics - a lengthy and costly process - has slowed right down.The report's lead authors, Doctor Yanhong Jessika Hu of Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Australia and Professor Herb Harwell of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, point to a significant growth in the use of antibiotics that are meant to only be held back for the most serious infections. Between 2019 and 2021 the use of "watch antibiotics", drugs with a high risk of resistance, increased by 160% in South East Asia and 126% in Africa.Over the same period, "reserve antibiotics" - last-resort treatments for severe, multidrug-resistant infections - rose by 45% in South East Asia and 125% in Africa.
Dwindling options
The authors warn that if bacteria develop resistance to these antibiotics, there will be few, if any, alternatives for treating multidrug-resistant infections.Prof Harwell is presenting the findings at the Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Vienna later this month."AMR is a global problem. It affects everyone. We did this work really to focus on the disproportionate way in which AMR affects children," he said ahead of the event."We estimate three million deaths of children worldwide associated with antimicrobial resistance."
Is there a solution to AMR?
The WHO describes AMR as one of the most serious global health threats we face, but speaking from Vienna, Prof Harwell warns that there are no easy answers."It's a multi-faceted problem that extends into all aspects of medicine and really, human life," he said. "Antibiotics are ubiquitous around us, they end up in our food and the environment and so coming up with a single solution is not easy."The best way to avoid a resistant infection is to avoid infection altogether, which means higher levels of immunisation, water sanitation and hygiene are needed, he adds."There's going to be more antibiotics use because there's more people who need them, but we need to make sure that they are used appropriately and the correct medicines are used."Dr Lindsey Edwards, a senior lecturer in microbiology at King's College London, said the new study "marks a significant and alarming increase compared to previous data"."These findings should serve as a wake-up call for global health leaders. Without decisive action, AMR could undermine decades of progress in child health, particularly in the world's most vulnerable regions."
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Scottish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Scottish Sun
Doctors dismissed my symptoms as IBS 3 times before giving me 6 months to live – surgery left me ‘gutted like a fish'
Find out all the symptoms of Austin's disease to be aware of below TRUST YOUR GUT Doctors dismissed my symptoms as IBS 3 times before giving me 6 months to live – surgery left me 'gutted like a fish' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FIT and healthy dad was dismissed by medics three times and told he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). He was later diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six months to live. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Austin Birks had always been committed to keeping himself in good shape as the owner of a karate club Credit: Cover Images 6 He noticed his bowel habits began to change in 2018 Credit: Cover Images 6 Doctors initially said he had IBS, but scans later revealed it was stage 4 bowel cancer Credit: Cover Images Austin Birks, 65, was immediately concerned when his bowel habits began to change in 2018. As the CEO of a large human resources company, but also a karate teacher, owning his own karate club, Enso Karate Club in Birmingham, Austin is committed to keeping himself in good shape. The regularity and appearance of his stool was different, and he also noticed blood when he went to the toilet. Austin, from Clent in Worcestershire, went to his GP who told him he probably had IBS and recommended some products from the pharmacy. But nothing made any difference so Austin went back only to be dismissed again. When he returned for the third time, a stool sample was taken - only for it to be lost at the hospital. 'By that time, I felt like I was in deep trouble because I'd been losing weight and been feeling a lot of fatigue and those kind of symptoms,' Austin says. 'My girlfriend at the time, Yvonne, encouraged me to get a CT scan done quickly.' The private scan revealed a very large tumour in his bowel. Doctors asked him to come in immediately, and he underwent major surgery because the cancer had also burst through the bowel wall. Diagnosed with bowel cancer at 22 'The wonderful surgeon managed to get rid of the tumour and did her very best, and then I embarked on a series of chemotherapy treatments,' Austin said. 'Within three or four months, much to my amazement and delight, my oncologist, the brilliant Dr Peter Correa, said to me 'it looks like against all odds, the cancer's gone'. 'As you can imagine, that was fantastic news.' Back with a vengeance But only three months later, Austin went back for another scan only to find that actually, the cancer was back with a vengeance - and it had spread. Another surgery was scheduled, but as it was during the Covid pandemic, the night before the operation Austin was called to say there were no beds for him. He was then advised in order to undergo surgery quickly, he'd have to pay for it privately, and that it would cost £51,000. Fortunately, his family helped him raise the money in 24 hours. "I went and had the surgery with two surgeons," said Austin. 'It took five and a half hours, and when I came around, I remember the one surgeon saying to me, 'how do you feel?' 'I said, 'a bit sore', because I'd had about sixty odd stitches. 'The surgeon said 'yes, well, you've been gutted like a fish! The surgery went well - I'll shake you by the hand.' 'I said we shouldn't because of Covid and he joked: 'I've had my hands in your stomach for the last five hours so it won't make too much of a difference!'' Remaining positive Austin came home, recovered and started another round of chemotherapy. Amazingly, within a few months, a scan showed the cancer had gone. But devastatingly, three months later, another scan showed that cancer had come back in two places. He's now undergone 120 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy - and even had to battle sepsis and blood poisoning at the same time. But despite his ordeal, Austin is determined to remain positive and has even engaged in stand-up comedy three times to raise money for Cancer Research UK to try to see the light in his situation. Despite his initial misdiagnosis, he can't speak highly enough of the care he's had from the NHS since finding out he had cancer. He is also hugely grateful to his family and friends. 'I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people, and when I have dark moments I go back to all those people, their messages, all that care and that love, and it just sustains you,' he said. 'Plus, the National Health Service has been absolutely magnificent, and I can't fault the South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust and the amazing cancer teams at Warwick and Stratford Hospitals.' 6 Austin was initially given six months to live and has undergone 120 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy - he even had to battle sepsis Credit: Cover Images 6 He's now outlived his prognosis and is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms Credit: Cover Images 6 He;s now taking part in a 37-mile cycling challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK Credit: Cover Images He's outlived his initial prognosis and is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms. 'My oncologist said to me that I had a 25 percent chance of lasting two years, but I just didn't believe it was me,' Austin said. 'I had this strong sense of needing to get through this. 'It will be seven years in September with cancer, and I think one of the key things I've learned is your mental and physical strength are absolutely vital to survive.' Austin also blogs about his experience, returned to teaching karate just six weeks after his first operation, and remains committed to staying active. He's taking part in the static bike Tour de 4 as hip issues now prevent him from road cycling, while his brother, Chris Birks, 67, a retired RAF group captain and former station commander of RAF Kinloss, takes on a 37-mile challenge in solidarity, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. 'Since I got cancer, I decided I wanted to try and use it as productively as I could,' Austin explained. 'I try to make my blogs engaging, entertaining and humorous, but at the same time, I don't sugarcoat cancer either: I write about the good, the bad, and the ugly." 'Seek help as early as possible' Austin's message to others is to seek help as early as possible if you notice any unusual symptoms. 'If you're in any doubt at all, if you think you might have changing bowel habits, then don't keep quiet, don't be shy and don't be embarrassed, which a lot of people are,' he said. 'As soon as you come out with it and tell the doctor, the quicker the care you can get and the more chance of recovery you have. 'You know your body, and if things change, and you recognise the symptoms, seek help, be persistent, and if you're unhappy, get a second opinion because the sooner you get identified, then the sooner you get treated. "Every single doctor and nurse has just been great - I've been gobsmacked at the care, the attention and the devotion that I've received from people across the NHS. 'If you have any worries, see the doctor and let the machinery take over because they're really good and they know what they're doing. 'You may have one or two negative experiences on the journey, but the quicker you're in that process, the better.' Austin feels that despite his struggles, he's also learned valuable lessons. 'You change your values quite significantly when you're facing this,' he added. 'What suddenly yesterday was important no longer matters at all. 'What really matters is those you care for and those who care for you. As a proud dad to a daughter, I need to keep fighting for her as well as her mum, my family and my friends. 'I most certainly will keep true to my mantra of never give up, never give in!' Donate to Austin and Chris's fundraiser via You can find his blog at
The Sun
a minute ago
- The Sun
Doctors dismissed my symptoms as IBS 3 times before giving me 6 months to live – surgery left me ‘gutted like a fish'
A FIT and healthy dad was dismissed by medics three times and told he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). He was later diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six months to live. 6 Austin Birks, 65, was immediately concerned when his bowel habits began to change in 2018. As the CEO of a large human resources company, but also a karate teacher, owning his own karate club, Enso Karate Club in Birmingham, Austin is committed to keeping himself in good shape. The regularity and appearance of his stool was different, and he also noticed blood when he went to the toilet. Austin, from Clent in Worcestershire, went to his GP who told him he probably had IBS and recommended some products from the pharmacy. But nothing made any difference so Austin went back only to be dismissed again. When he returned for the third time, a stool sample was taken - only for it to be lost at the hospital. 'By that time, I felt like I was in deep trouble because I'd been losing weight and been feeling a lot of fatigue and those kind of symptoms,' Austin says. 'My girlfriend at the time, Yvonne, encouraged me to get a CT scan done quickly.' The private scan revealed a very large tumour in his bowel. Doctors asked him to come in immediately, and he underwent major surgery because the cancer had also burst through the bowel wall. Diagnosed with bowel cancer at 22 'The wonderful surgeon managed to get rid of the tumour and did her very best, and then I embarked on a series of chemotherapy treatments,' Austin said. 'Within three or four months, much to my amazement and delight, my oncologist, the brilliant Dr Peter Correa, said to me 'it looks like against all odds, the cancer's gone'. 'As you can imagine, that was fantastic news.' Back with a vengeance But only three months later, Austin went back for another scan only to find that actually, the cancer was back with a vengeance - and it had spread. Another surgery was scheduled, but as it was during the Covid pandemic, the night before the operation Austin was called to say there were no beds for him. He was then advised in order to undergo surgery quickly, he'd have to pay for it privately, and that it would cost £51,000. Fortunately, his family helped him raise the money in 24 hours. "I went and had the surgery with two surgeons," said Austin. 'It took five and a half hours, and when I came around, I remember the one surgeon saying to me, 'how do you feel?' 'I said, 'a bit sore', because I'd had about sixty odd stitches. 'The surgeon said 'yes, well, you've been gutted like a fish! The surgery went well - I'll shake you by the hand.' 'I said we shouldn't because of Covid and he joked: 'I've had my hands in your stomach for the last five hours so it won't make too much of a difference!'' Remaining positive Austin came home, recovered and started another round of chemotherapy. Amazingly, within a few months, a scan showed the cancer had gone. But devastatingly, three months later, another scan showed that cancer had come back in two places. He's now undergone 120 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy - and even had to battle sepsis and blood poisoning at the same time. But despite his ordeal, Austin is determined to remain positive and has even engaged in stand-up comedy three times to raise money for Cancer Research UK to try to see the light in his situation. Despite his initial misdiagnosis, he can't speak highly enough of the care he's had from the NHS since finding out he had cancer. He is also hugely grateful to his family and friends. 'I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people, and when I have dark moments I go back to all those people, their messages, all that care and that love, and it just sustains you,' he said. 'Plus, the National Health Service has been absolutely magnificent, and I can't fault the South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust and the amazing cancer teams at Warwick and Stratford Hospitals.' 6 6 6 He's outlived his initial prognosis and is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms. 'My oncologist said to me that I had a 25 percent chance of lasting two years, but I just didn't believe it was me,' Austin said. 'I had this strong sense of needing to get through this. 'It will be seven years in September with cancer, and I think one of the key things I've learned is your mental and physical strength are absolutely vital to survive.' Austin also blogs about his experience, returned to teaching karate just six weeks after his first operation, and remains committed to staying active. He's taking part in the static bike Tour de 4 as hip issues now prevent him from road cycling, while his brother, Chris Birks, 67, a retired RAF group captain and former station commander of RAF Kinloss, takes on a 37-mile challenge in solidarity, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. 'Since I got cancer, I decided I wanted to try and use it as productively as I could,' Austin explained. 'I try to make my blogs engaging, entertaining and humorous, but at the same time, I don't sugarcoat cancer either: I write about the good, the bad, and the ugly." 'Seek help as early as possible' Austin's message to others is to seek help as early as possible if you notice any unusual symptoms. 'If you're in any doubt at all, if you think you might have changing bowel habits, then don't keep quiet, don't be shy and don't be embarrassed, which a lot of people are,' he said. 'As soon as you come out with it and tell the doctor, the quicker the care you can get and the more chance of recovery you have. 'You know your body, and if things change, and you recognise the symptoms, seek help, be persistent, and if you're unhappy, get a second opinion because the sooner you get identified, then the sooner you get treated. "Every single doctor and nurse has just been great - I've been gobsmacked at the care, the attention and the devotion that I've received from people across the NHS. 'If you have any worries, see the doctor and let the machinery take over because they're really good and they know what they're doing. 'You may have one or two negative experiences on the journey, but the quicker you're in that process, the better.' Austin feels that despite his struggles, he's also learned valuable lessons. 'You change your values quite significantly when you're facing this,' he added. 'What suddenly yesterday was important no longer matters at all. 'What really matters is those you care for and those who care for you. As a proud dad to a daughter, I need to keep fighting for her as well as her mum, my family and my friends. 'I most certainly will keep true to my mantra of never give up, never give in!' Donate to Austin and Chris's fundraiser via You can find his blog at What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Billions at risk of mosquito-borne virus that causes the body to ‘fold together', warns WHO – the 8 signs to spot
In places like Europe, where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected. VIRAL THREAT Billions at risk of mosquito-borne virus that causes the body to 'fold together', warns WHO – the 8 signs to spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A KILLER virus that makes the body 'fold in on itself' is spreading fast and could soon affect billions across the globe, world health chiefs have warned. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes crippling joint pain and leaves some victims riddled with deformities is tearing through parts of the Indian Ocean and edging closer to Europe. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquitoes Credit: Getty 4 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Credit: SehatHub 4 Health worker fumigates in Sri Lanka as cases surge Credit: EPA The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it's seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. "We are seeing history repeating itself," said Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus. She explained that the bug is now spreading from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe, and urged countries to act now to avoid billions falling ill. There is no cure for the disease which in some cases can be fatal, especially for vulnerable people like newborns, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Two vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK - although one is under safety review for older people. The latest outbreak began in early 2025, with major surges in La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius - the same islands hammered in 2004. One-third of the population of La Reunion is thought to have already been infected. The virus has now spread to Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, with epidemic transmission also occurring in Southeast Asia, including India. "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," Dr Diana said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. What is Chikungunya Since May 1, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, Dr Rojas Alvarez revealed. Even more worrying, there have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. A case has also been detected in Italy, while the WHO says suspected cases have cropped up in other parts of the continent. Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases — including dengue, West Nile, and malaria — with some infections doubling in just 12 months. Symptoms of chikungunya can be flu-like, which makes it hard to diagnose at first. But patients have also reported excruciating pain and swelling, especially in the hands and feet, which can cause the body to take on a hunched or 'folded' posture. In places where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected, the WHO warned. "The case fatality rate is less than one percent, but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands," Dr Diana said. 4 Doctor treats chikungunya patient on La Reunion island Credit: AFP "We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks." The tiger mosquito, which can also carry dengue and Zika, is spreading further north due to climate change, and is now found in parts of southern England, France, and Italy. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, these biters are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. WHO is urging the public to take basic steps to protect themselves like using repellent, wearing long sleeves, and clearing standing water from buckets and containers where mozzies breed.
