Study finds shorter, cheaper and safer pneumonia treatment for children

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A study has shown that children hospitalised with severe pneumonia can safely switch from injectable to oral antibiotics and still recover effectively.

As many as 1,100 children aged between two months and six years in Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique between 2020 and 2023 were involved in the study.

Its findings were unveiled by the Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) on April 14 at the institute in Kampala.

Researchers also found that shorter treatment durations work just as well as longer ones — which could reduce hospital stays, medical costs, and the burden on families and health systems.

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia can cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages. However, it is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.

Dr Victor Musiime, the study's lead investigator, noted that the trial’s findings have the potential to “transform pneumonia care” across Africa.

“These results show that it is both safe and effective to switch from injectable to oral antibiotics once a child begins to improve," he said.

"We also found shorter courses of treatment, four or five days, work just as well as longer durations. This reduces the duration of hospital stays and supports antimicrobial stewardship."

Currently, the WHO recommends five days of injectable antibiotics for treating severe pneumonia in children.

Dr Rebecca Nantanda, MLI deputy director, said the study demonstrates the power of locally driven, collaborative research. 

“This is a strong example of research rooted in African realities. It will directly improve the lives of our children and their families," she said.

'Safer, cheaper'

The trial also demonstrated that amoxicillin, a low-cost, widely available drug in Ugandan health facilities, is as effective as the more expensive amoxicillin-clavulanate.

“This approach frees up beds in our hospitals for other sick children,” said Dr. Damalie Nalwanga, a pediatrician involved in the trial. 

“It’s safer, cheaper, and easier for children and their families."

The findings are expected to influence pneumonia treatment guidelines across the continent, just as MLI marks a decade of advancing lung health in Uganda and beyond.

The symptoms of pneumonia can vary, but commonly include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions are more vulnerable to pneumonia because their immunity may be weakened either by their condition or the medication they are taking.

“MLI is proud to be at the forefront of child health research in Africa. This is just the beginning. We are looking ahead to the next decade with even greater ambition," said Nantanda.