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Comprehensive Etiological and Epidemiological Study on Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: Providing Evidence for the Prevention and Control of Childhood Pneumonia in the Philippines

Infectious Diseases Control

Republic of the Philippines

Finished

Comprehensive Etiological and Epidemiological Study on Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: Providing Evidence for the Prevention and Control of Childhood Pneumonia in the Philippines

Saving Children in Developing Countries from Death by Pneumonia

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  OSHITANI Hitoshi
  Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of the Philippines

Research Institutions in Japan

Tohoku University

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Department of Health - Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2010

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Preventing acute respiratory infections from developing into serious conditions deadly to infants
Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of death of infants in developing countries. Reducing the number of deaths from pneumonia and other serious acute respiratory infections with high mortality rates is a particularly urgent issue worldwide. For this project, we are collecting basic data such as demographic data, incidence and mortality rate of acute respiratory infections in areas of the Philippines with particularly high infant mortality, and identifying etiologies of acute respiratory infections including fatal cases. Based on analysis of this data, we plan to implement intervention studies to assess various strategies including more effective management protocols and other measures to reduce mortality and prevent serious infections.

Obtaining reliable data to develop control measures for acute respiratory infections in children that can be applicable to other developing countries
After setting up an laboratory testing system at the four selected project hospitals, work commenced on taking specimens from patients and identifying the causative agents. In the Biliran area, a cohort study* has begun in two municipalities and twenty-five barangays (villages) chosen on the basis of a prior survey, and long-term follow-up of children and risk analysis is now in progress. The outcomes of our research will be applicable to other developing countries, and will hopefully contribute to combating acute respiratory infections in children globally.
* Cohort study: A research method that involves tracking a specific group (cohort) over a long period.

Photo gallery

Collecting data in local communities. We are investigating poverty, hygiene, and other factors posing a risk of acute respiratory infections, and assessing risks alongside pathogens found in local communities.