Healthwise
    "Providing Answers to Your Health Questions"

Healthwise researches and summarizes answers to your questions about public health programs in tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, child survival, and reproductive health. Healthwise focuses on the medical aspects of these problems to help enhance and inform health communication programs with expert health knowledge.

Healthwise is a joint product of the Health Communication Partnership (HCP) and the INFO (Information and Knowledge for Optimal Health) Project, both based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Communication Programs (CCP) and supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

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   November 14, 2005

Is it possible to treat childhood pneumonia at the community level?

Yes. A recent analysis of community-based pneumonia case management studies estimated a 24% reduction in under-five mortality. Studies show that community health workers (CHWs) can effectively manage uncomplicated pneumonia in the community. The case management they performed included classifying respiratory infections based on respiratory rates and lower chest indrawing (forced retraction of the lower part of the chest with inspiration), treating non-severe pneumonia with antibiotics, and referring severe pneumonia cases, where possible.

Pneumonia is estimated to cause 18% of childhood (under five years old) mortality in developing countries in general. Studies show that utilization of health facilities remains low in many parts of the world and children are treated at home, through informal sector or by traditional healers. When children suffering from pneumonia are treated promptly and effectively with antibiotics their chances of survival increase significantly.

Prompt treatment of childhood pneumonia often involves bringing treatment closer to where the sick children are. This requires adequate training of CHWs, support, supervision and close links with functional health centers that have skilled professional staff, and adequate drug supply.

References:
WHO/UNICEF Joint Statement. Management of Pneumonia in Community Settings. May 2004.

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