PSI

Early, pre-packaged treatment of Pneumonia

Early diagnosis and treatment with simple antibiotics can prevent a large proportion of deaths caused by pneumonia. Recognizing symptoms of pneumonia is the first step in reducing deaths among children under five. PSI targets caregivers of children under five through mass media and interpersonal communication aimed at increasing their knowledge about pneumonia symptoms and severity signs, in order to motivate them to seek appropriate care when a child has a cough with rapid breathing.

Improving Pneumonia diagnostics and treatment

Beyond educating caregivers about symptoms of pneumonia, PSI also informs caregivers about the place where pneumonia treatment is available from a health provider. In combination with case management and behavior change communication activities, and as a means to improve health providers’ skills on case management, PSI works with local partners to train medical providers from health clinics on health promotion and pneumonia case management within the IMCI protocol. PSI also helps to train and equip community health workers to improve their ability to provide information on pneumonia prevention and to manage pneumonia cases.

In order to manage pneumonia cases in children under five, PSI has developed pre-packaged therapy kits that are distributed through private clinics and community level. Pre-packaged treatment kits contain an oral antibiotic, with the correct dosages for children from 2-11 months and for children one to five years old. These kits have been designed for easy administration by the caregiver at home and include clear instructions in the local language with simple illustrations so that illiterate people are also able to understand the dosing. With less than 1 dollar, PSI can purchase antibiotics to treat 20 children.

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Health Areas: Child Survival, HIV, Pneumonia