Child and adolescent health | Highlights | Managing possible serious bacterial infection in young infants 0–59 days old when referral is not feasible

Managing possible serious bacterial infection in young infants 0–59 days old when referral is not feasible

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Joint_statement_UNICEF_and_WHOThis joint statement summarizes a systematic process for managing sick young infants up to 59 days of age with PSBI  in resource-limited settings. The purpose of the statement is to facilitate the introduction and implementation of the new guideline as part of national newborn and child health strategies.

It targets governments, professional bodies, civil society and development partners working in the area of newborn and child health. The joint statement provides options for the use of simplified antibiotic regimens that are both safe and effective for outpatient treatment of clinical severe infection and fast-breathing pneumonia among young infants weighing at least 1.5 kg.

It emphasizes that the standard of care remains referral to hospital for inpatient treatment for sick young infants with any sign of clinical severe infection or critical illness. The simplified antibiotic regimens should only be offered to families when referral is not feasible.

Managing possible serious bacterial infection in young infants 0–59 days old when referral is not feasible | French