A study by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation highlights the need for global efforts to combat infectious diseases, particularly targeting older children and adolescents. The study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases each year, equivalent to one death every 10 seconds. The shift in disease burden from young children to older age groups was primarily driven by efforts targeting children under five years in low-income countries. The study highlights the need for a broader approach, focusing on the impact of diseases on a person’s life. The findings call for continued investment in immunization programs and scaling up trusted interventions, particularly in low-income countries. Addressing social barriers, such as improving healthcare access for adolescent males with HIV, is crucial. The study serves as a reminder to prioritize both emerging and established infectious diseases, especially among those aged 5-24 years who have often been neglected by current policies and programs.

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