Management of pneumonia and other childhood infections has improved in 16 of the 17 regions that applied the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). IMCI is a strategy used in providing holistic health care services among the under five-year-old children ranging from detailed history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions. The promotion of IMCI through regular in-service and pre-service training of frontline health personnel is supported by international and local funding agencies. The IMCI strategy requires that appropriate drugs for pneumonia are available at the health service outlets at any given time. DOH and PhilHealth-accredited clinics, health centers and hospitals generally provide patients with the necessary drugs at low cost. However, not all health facilities are able to carry out IMCI appropriately and consistently due to shortage of drugs. This is due to the limited local sources of drugs or to failures in the drug distribution system at the regional and local levels.

Although the drugs necessary to treat pneumonia are available over the counter, general consultations and treatment services for older children, adults and older persons with pneumonia needs improvement to multiply the gains that have been achieved in pneumonia control among the younger age groups.

Source: National Objectives for Health, Philippines, 2005-2001, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines.