PSI

Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of death among children under five, killing more children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined While upper respiratory infections are frequent but seldom life-threatening, lower respiratory infections are responsible for more severe illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia. More than two million children die from pneumonia each year, accounting for almost 1 out of 5 children under-five deaths worldwide.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a severe form of acute respiratory infection, mainly caused by a bacterial pathogen spread through contaminated air droplets. Its main symptoms include fever, cough, fast or difficult breathing, which can be easily recognized by a caregiver by monitoring the number of breaths a child makes per minute. In severe cases, a child will suffer chest "indrawing" – when children struggle to breathe and the chest moves in or retracts.

To improve diagnosis and treatment, PSI uses a community-based approach to delivering broad spectrum antibiotics to children under five. PSI implements a communications strategy to enhance the ability of caregivers to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia and to seek prompt care and treatment for those suffering. In addition, it has developed easy-to-use pre-packaged therapy kits, available through private sector pharmacies and clinics to treat pneumonia in children under five.