Online
The Newborn and Child Health Commodities subgroup, chaired by USAID and UNICEF, hosted a series of consultative meetings on the availability and use of amoxicillin and gentamicin to treat pneumonia in children under 5.
Of the infectious diseases that contribute to child mortality, pneumonia takes the lead: an alarming 40% of children with symptoms of pneumonia are not taken to an appropriate healthcare provider in the 40 countries in which 90% of child pneumonia deaths occur. Amoxicillin became the recommended treatment for pneumonia in children under 5 years in 2014 and in 2015 gentamicin injection, together with amoxicillin, was recommended by the WHO for treatment of newborns with Possible Serious Bacterial Infection (PSBI) at lower-level facilities where referral is not feasible. In the past decade, there has been progress and increased awareness to these lifesaving commodities however, access and appropriate use of pediatric amoxicillin (dispersible tablets and suspension) and gentamicin injection remain a challenge.
This three-part series reviewed experience and evidence related to the following barriers:
- Inadequate quantification at all levels and/or inadequate financing of pediatric amoxicillin and gentamicin formulations - May 10, 2022 at 12-3pm GMT/8-11am EDT
- Quality of pediatric child health products not guaranteed - May 17, 2022 at 1-3pm GMT/9-11am EDT
- Inappropriate use of medicines for treatment of pneumonia and PSBI by providers and caregivers - May 24, 2022 at 12:30-3pm GMT/8:30-11am EDT
View the recordings and presentations from each session below.