Child pneumonia – focus on the Western Pacific Region

Abstract

Worldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in infants and young children (aged <5 years). We provide an overview of the global pneumonia disease burden, as well as the aetiology and management practices in different parts of the world, with a specific focus on the WHO Western Pacific Region. In 2011, the Western Pacific region had an estimated 0.11 pneumonia episodes per child-year with 61,900 pneumonia-related deaths in children less than 5 years of age. The majority (>75%) of pneumonia deaths occurred in six countries; Cambodia, China, Laos, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Historically Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the commonest causes of severe pneumonia and pneumonia-related deaths in young children, but this is changing with the introduction of highly effective conjugate vaccines and socio-economic development. The relative contribution of viruses and atypical bacteria appear to be increasing and traditional case management approaches may require revision to accommodate increased uptake of conjugated vaccines in the Western Pacific region. Careful consideration should be given to risk reduction strategies, enhanced vaccination coverage, improved management of hypoxaemia and antibiotic stewardship.

Prevalence and risk factors of acute lower respiratory infection among children living in biomass fuel using households: a community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

“…Correspondingly, a study in Ghana also indicated that 99% of the households use biomass as their primary fuel source [35] and according to the global solid-fuel use estimation, 2.8 billion people still burn solid fuels for cooking [36]. However, HAP exposure from cooking with biomass fuels has been linked with childhood pneumonia [37,38] and an up to date estimate of the disease burden of HAP suggests that every year, HAP from biomass fuel use causes 455,000 ALRI deaths and an ALRI population attributable fraction of 52% globally [39]. The use of unclean fuel for household cooking was also found to elevate the odds of childhood ARI in South Ethiopia with an AOR of 2.09 (95% CI: 1.03-4.22) [34].…”

Evaluation of Antipneumonic Effect of Philippine Essential Oils Using Broth Microdilution Volatilization Method and Their Lung Fibroblasts Toxicity

“…Pneumonia, acute respiratory infection caused by bacterial pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including the Philippines. The majority of severe episodes occurs in children under five years, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals [1]. A timely antibiotic therapy can reduce its fatal cases; nevertheless, access to the health services is the most important health problem in the Philippines [2a].…”

Prevalence and risk factors of acute lower respiratory infection among children living in biomass fuel using households: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

“…Correspondingly, a study in Ghana also indicated that 99% of the households use biomass as their primary fuel source (35) and according to the global solid-fuel use estimation, 2.8 billion people still burn solid fuels for cooking (36). However, HAP exposure from cooking with biomass fuels has been linked with childhood pneumonia (37,38) and an up to date estimate of disease burden of HAP suggests that every year, HAP from biomass fuel use causes 455 000 ALRI deaths and an ALRI population attributable fraction of 52% globally (39). The use of unclean fuel for household cooking was also found to elevate the odds of childhood ARI in South Ethiopia with an AOR of 2.09 (95% CI:…”