Accra, Jan. 25, GNA- A new study into pneumonia treatment for children showing that treating children with severe pneumonia at home was as effective as treating them in hospitals could significantly change the way the illness is managed in developing countries. The research conducted in Pakistan by researchers from Boston University School of Public and supported by WHO and the USAID involved 2037 children with severe pneumonia who were randomly assigned to get either injectable antibiotics in a hospital or antibiotics pills at home.

A Press Release issued by the World Health Organization indicated that pneumonia is the largest single killer of children under five years old around the world and that almost four children die from pneumonia every minute.

"About 60% of pneumonia cases in the developing world are caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics, whereas most cases of

pneumonia in developed countries are viral". Dr. Alfred Bartlett, Senior Advisor for Child Survival, USAID said the research in Pakistan when implemented into programmes around the world would increase access to critical care in disadvantaged communities and support the diagnose and treatment by community health workers.

Children with severe pneumonia were vulnerable to infections as a result of weak immunity and could be at increased risk in crowed hospital wards. 25 Jan. 08