Progress in Reducing Antibiotic Prescriptions for Children in Australia

Recent research from the University of Western Australia highlights a positive trend in antibiotic use among children. Over the last decade, there has been a significant decrease in the number of antibiotics dispensed to Australian children, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat antibiotic overuse. This initiative is critical in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a public health threat projected to cause millions of deaths and economic losses worldwide if left unchecked.

Using data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the study analyzed over 3.4 million antibiotic prescriptions across more than 550,000 children under 13 years from 2013 to 2023. The findings revealed that in 2013, approximately 103 prescriptions were issued per 100 children, whereas by 2023, this number had fallen to 63 prescriptions per 100 children. Additionally, the percentage of children receiving at least one antibiotic prescription each year decreased from 45.7% to 33.6%.

This decline was consistent across genders, age groups, and most antibiotic categories. Notably, prescriptions for 'Watch' antibiotics—broad-spectrum drugs typically reserved for severe or resistant infections—dropped markedly. The proportion of these antibiotics lessened from 17% in 2013 to just 6.4% in 2023, with annual reductions of about 15%.

Economically, the reduction in antibiotic prescribing has translated into substantial savings. The average yearly cost per 100 children dropped from $471 in 2013 to $274 in 2023, equating to total savings of approximately $6.7 million annually for Australian government-subsidized medicines.

While Australia maintains a relatively low mortality rate from AMR, its higher antibiotic usage compared to other high-income countries like the UK, Germany, and Norway raises concerns. Children tend to receive more antibiotics due to their developing immune systems and social pressures on clinicians. However, the observed downward trend suggests increased awareness among healthcare providers, parents, and policymakers about the importance of prudent antibiotic use.

Experts emphasize the need for continued monitoring of antibiotic dispensing patterns and improved bacterial testing to optimize prescribing. These efforts are essential to sustain the progress and further reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure among children, ultimately supporting global initiatives against antimicrobial resistance.