Global trend and disparity of acute lower respiratory infection as cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for an end to preventable deaths in newborns and children under 5 years of age (“under-5 mortality”). It is expected that all countries will aim to have under-5 mortality rates of <25 per 1,000 live births by 2030. SDGs target number 3 aims to end preventable deaths, namely deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age [1]. Pneumonia is the most common cause of under-5 mortality worldwide [2]. Likewise, acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of under-5 morbidity worldwide, with nearly 156 million new episodes annually [3]. Severe ALRI cases place a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide and is a major cause of pediatric referrals and hospital admissions [4].

ALRI as the main cause of under-5 mortality becomes more interesting when a study examines the spatial side and trends (changes in patterns). Spatial analysis can be used to identify areas that are prone to diseases that can be fatal [5]. Using spatial analysis, it is possible to understand the changes in child mortality due to ALRI associated with changes in space and time. Changes have occurred in cases of under-5 mortality due to ALRI from the Asian continent to Africa with various possible causes.

In India, ALRI is prevalent in boys versus girls [4] as well as in those who live in semi-Pucca and Kutcha homes with poor ventilation; have a history of parental smoking; have family members with respiratory infections; did not cry immediately after birth due to any complications; and have a malnourished status [6]. Meanwhile, in sub-Saharan Africa, children aged 2–5 years and those infected with intestinal parasites are at higher risk of developing an ALRI. However, children whose mothers work or whose households have better toileting facilities are less likely to contract ALRI [7].

The results of this study describe the dynamics of the tendency toward under-5 mortality associated with ALRI globally as time and space change. The spatial analysis performed here can be a reference for the basis for formulating global health policies [4,5]. Several risk factors associated with ALRI can explain these spatial changes: exposure to smoke (cigarettes and stoves), both indoors and outdoors; climate change; low socioeconomic status; and unfavorable environmental conditions.