Acute Respiratory Infections (pneumonia)
THE CHALLENGE
About 20% of all deaths in children under five years of age are due to acute lower respiratory infections; mostly pneumonia(90%), but also bronchiolitis and bronchitis. This translates into roughly 2 million child deaths each year.
Only about one-fifth of caregivers know the "danger signs" of pneumonia. And, only a little more than half of children sick with pneumonia receive appropriate care.
KEY INTERVENTIONS
Case management of pneumonia involves correctly identifying severe and standard cases, and providing appropriate treatment and guidance. Diagnosis and treatment are different for very young children and older children, thus health workers should follow IMCI charts for all age groups.In some countries, there is a significant need to increase coverage by establishing a system of community-based treatment provided by non-medical personnel, not only for pneumonia but for all childhood illnesses.
