Importance for MCH in Low Resource Settings

Acute respiratory infection (ARI), a class of diseases that includes influenza, pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus, is a leading cause of death in children under five years of age, and accounts for an estimated 4 million deaths worldwide each year (WHO 2002; Mayor, 2010). Pneumonia, one of the most severe forms of lower respiratory tract infection, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and kills an estimated 1.1 million children each year, accounting for 17% of all deaths of children under the age of five. The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia (United Nations Children's Fund, 2013).

ARIs are, however, simple to prevent and fairly easy to treat (WHO, 2011). Immunization, nutrition, and attention to potentially harmful environmental factors, as well as prompt treatment with antibiotics, can be life-saving (WHO, 2013).      

Because of their significant contribution to child mortality, ARIs should be a central focus of maternal and child health programs. Advances such as home based care and administration of antibiotics, and increased access to and affordability of vaccines can make significant impacts on the lives of children across the globe, even in resource limited settings.           

Chapter Summary

The following chapter addresses the epidemiology and etiology of ARI (with special focus on pneumonia), diagnosis and intervention strategies for prevention and treatment of ARI, and program management issues including monitoring and evaluation. Finally, new developments and controversies in addressing ARI globally will be discussed.