Antibiotic resistance in children is rising worldwide, with life-saving treatments becoming less effective

A major global study warns antibiotic resistance in children is increasing, with experts urging action to protect life-saving medicines.

Small boy holding various pills and capsules in his hand in the kitchen

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Published: July 21, 2026 at 12:21 PM

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Children around the world are becoming increasingly vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant infections, with a major new study warning that some of the medicines doctors rely on today could become far less effective over the next decade.

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Researchers analysed more than 106,000 infection samples from children across 82 countries and found antibiotic resistance increased in every region between 2004 and 2022. The findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics, also reveal that babies, children in intensive care and those living in lower-income countries are most at risk.

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The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) alongside the University of Sydney, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, has also launched a new global monitoring platform designed to help health professionals track emerging resistance patterns.

What the research found

The study found that antibiotic resistance is being driven largely by Gram-negative bacteria, which are responsible for serious infections including sepsis and pneumonia.

Researchers reported the biggest increases in resistance were seen against the World Health Organization's "Watch" and "Reserve" antibiotics, medicines intended to be used sparingly to preserve their effectiveness when first-line treatments no longer work.

Forecasts from the new AMR in Kids platform suggest resistance could continue to rise significantly by 2035, particularly among two dangerous bacteria.

Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacteria that can cause bloodstream infections and pneumonia, showed the highest overall resistance levels.

Meanwhile, Klebsiella, a common cause of urinary tract infections and liver abscesses, recorded the fastest growth in resistance, particularly in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and the Western Pacific.

Researchers estimate resistance to last-line carbapenem antibiotics could reach 82% for Acinetobacter baumannii and 35% for Klebsiella by 2035.

Why children are particularly vulnerable

Children face unique challenges when it comes to antibiotic resistance. They experience high rates of bacterial infections but have fewer antibiotic treatment options than adults.

In 2021, around 840,000 deaths in children under five globally were associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Associate Professor Penelope Bryant, from MCRI, said the findings highlight a growing gap between the antibiotics doctors are recommended to use and those that continue to work effectively.

"Rising resistance to first- and now second-line drugs is the clinical reality for children," she said. "Making antibiotic resistance in children visible, through AMR in Kids, is the first step towards changing its trajectory. By understanding where resistance is emerging and how it's changing, we can better protect children now and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics into the future."

Rising resistance to first- and now second-line drugs is the clinical reality for children.

Associate Professor Penelope Bryant, Murdoch Children's Research Institute

New tool aims to track future threats

Alongside the research, the team has launched the AMR in Kids website, a free platform allowing clinicians, researchers and policymakers to explore antibiotic resistance by country, bacteria and antibiotic class.

The platform combines nearly two decades of global data with forecasting models to predict where resistance is most likely to emerge over the next 10 years.

Dr Yanhong Jessika Hu, from MCRI and the University of Sydney, said the tool fills an important gap in understanding how antimicrobial resistance is affecting children.

"Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest threats to children's health globally, but until now we haven't had a clear picture of how it's changing specifically in children. The AMR in Kids platform addresses a major gap by developing region and pathogen-specific forecasts for the next decade."

Experts call for urgent action

Researchers say tackling antimicrobial resistance will require different approaches around the world.

In lower-income countries, priorities include reducing unregulated antibiotic use, improving sanitation and increasing access to diagnostic testing and first-line antibiotics.

In higher-income countries, experts say reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in healthcare, farming and veterinary settings, alongside strong infection control measures, will be key.

“We also need child-friendly antibiotic formulations, clearer dosing guidance and funding for trials on safely reducing antibiotic use. Consumers can help by talking with their GP about the risks of overprescribing antibiotics," Professor Bryant says.

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The researchers also say more investment is needed in child-friendly antibiotic formulations, clearer dosing guidance and clinical trials focused specifically on children to help preserve the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for future generations.

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