Pneumonia is leading cause of child deaths

PNEUMONIA is the leading cause of illness and death in children under five years with 40 per cent presenting for pneumonia having hypoxia, a condition occurring when oxygen drops to dangerous levels.
A study led by Telethon Kids Institute in collaboration with the PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) has highlighted the importance of measuring oxygen levels in children with severe pneumonia, rather than solely relying on symptoms and signs.
Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases and lead author Professor Chris Blyth said the research was essential to demonstrate that current approaches to detecting the need for oxygen were not adequate.
This, he said, signalled the need to ensure technology to measure oxygen levels is made routinely available in all health care facilities.
“The study showed symptoms and signs of severe pneumonia alone were not enough to detect the need for oxygen therapy,” Prof Blyth said.
“The capacity to measure oxygen levels must remain a priority to ensure children get the right treatment.”
Director of PNGIMR Professor Willie Pomat said the study was important to call for more investment into health care facilities to prevent deaths from pneumonia.
“This study calls for additional investment into healthcare facilities in PNG, providing the technology to measure oxygen levels,” Prof Pomat said.
“This research will help prevent pneumonia deaths while informing the World Health Organisation pneumonia prevention guidelines.”