A new study published in The Lancet journal reveals that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases annually, equivalent to one death every 10 seconds. India, Nigeria, and Pakistan bear the highest disease burden. The study, conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that more than half of these deaths occur in low to middle-income countries, compared to only 6% in high-income countries. The research highlights a shift in disease burden towards older children and adolescents, as control measures have primarily focused on children under five. The study stresses the need for global disease control efforts to prioritize this age group. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent outbreaks of Zika virus, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome further emphasize the importance of this research in informing global policy, resource allocation, and health systems. Professor Peter Azzopardi emphasizes the urgent need to evaluate infectious disease control strategies. The study suggests investing in comprehensive approaches that address social barriers and improve access to healthcare for adolescent males with HIV. Professor Susan Sawyer emphasizes the need to address emerging infectious diseases in individuals aged 5-24 years who have often been overlooked by current policies and programs. It is crucial to continue building health system capacity and scaling up trusted interventions like immunization programs, particularly in low-income countries.

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