Publications

Although Uganda has reported a reduction in the mortality rates of children under five years of age (under-five)—from 175 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 90 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011—child mortality and morbidity rates remain unacceptably high.1 Pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria continue to be leading causes of mortality and morbidity among Ugandan children under-five, contributing to 40% of deaths in this age group.2 According to the Uganda national iCCM guidelines, each year, 33 million cases of malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia go untreated. Only half (47%) of the children with symptoms of acute respiratory infection receive antibiotics,3 and only 35% of children with diarrhea receive oral rehydration salts (ORS).