Respiratory Infections

To prevent pneumonia and other acute respiratory infections, agents promote breastfeeding for children under 6 months

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children in low-income countries. It kills more children every year than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Many deaths due to pneumonia occur among newborn infants. The World Health Organization estimates that one in three newborn infant deaths are due to pneumonia. Nonetheless, pneumonia can be prevented with simple interventions and treated with low-cost medication and care.

Early detection and prompt treatment of pneumonia are critical to preventing deaths from pneumonia. In 2011, Living Goods began training and certifying its agents to diagnose and treat acute respiratory infection with entry-level antibiotics. Our agents are also trained to recognize danger signs of severe cases and make immediate referrals to the nearest health center. To prevent pneumonia and other acute respiratory infections, Living Goods agents promote exclusive breastfeeding for children under 6 months and emphasize the importance of good nutrition and personal hygiene. Finally, Living Goods agents distribute clean burning cook stoves and solar lamps – both of these new product technologies reduce indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory infections in children.