The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced updated global guidelines to improve the diagnosis and treatment of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) in infants aged 0–59 days, including sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia—conditions responsible for over half a million newborn deaths each year globally.
The updated recommendations aim to strengthen clinical decision-making and promote the responsible use of antibiotics, particularly to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They offer both hospital and community-based treatment protocols, ensuring that even infants in areas without access to referral hospitals can receive critical care.
In Indonesia, newborn mortality remains a significant challenge, with infections contributing to 14% of late and 6% of early newborn deaths. Practices such as home births and the use of traditional remedies for umbilical cord care increase the risk of infections, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, more than 11% of newborns in Indonesia—about 495,000 annually—are born prematurely, making them especially vulnerable to infections due to their developing immune systems.
Key updates in the WHO guidelines include the use of the WHO 7-sign Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm to identify SBIs at the community level. The guidelines also recommend simplified antibiotic regimens for situations where hospital referral isn’t possible and stress the importance of strong referral systems, risk group classification, and careful antibiotic stewardship.
In Indonesia, these guidelines will support national efforts to reduce newborn mortality and improve child health as outlined in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029, the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (RAN-PARAM), and Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The guidance highlights the need for multisectoral collaboration to ensure effective care for infants at risk of SBI, an area where WHO will continue to offer active support.
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