Tackling the threat of antimicrobial resistance in neonates and children: outcomes from the first WHO-convened Paediatric Drug Optimisation exercise for antibiotics

Antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges for children and neonates, and the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted the first Paediatric Drug Optimisation (PADO) exercise for antibiotics in November and December 2022. The exercise aimed to prioritize antibiotics for paediatric research and development, particularly in regions with high disease burdens due to serious bacterial infections. The review provides an overview of the exercise processes, literature, and follow-up actions, emphasizing the collaborative PADO process’s potential to ensure children’s access to essential medicines worldwide.