Azithromycin to Reduce Childhood Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We hypothesized that mass distribution of a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent to preschool children would reduce mortality in areas of sub-Saharan Africa that are currently far from meeting the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Methods

In this cluster-randomized trial, we assigned communities in Malawi, Niger, and Tanzania to four twice-yearly mass distributions of either oral azithromycin (approximately 20 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo. Children 1 to 59 months of age were identified in twice-yearly censuses and were offered participation in the trial. Vital status was determined at subsequent censuses. The primary outcome was aggregate all-cause mortality; country-specific rates were assessed in prespecified subgroup analyses.

Res

SUBMITTER: Keenan JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5849140 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature