Paediatrics in the Tropics

This chapter primarily focuses on the health of children in low- and middle-income countries, from the early neonatal period until adolescence. The majority of deaths in children and adolescents occur in the ‘under-5’ age group, with more than half of the ‘under-15’ global mortality burden borne by Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Central and Southern Asia. The causes of mortality in children differ by age, with declining prevalence of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases and increasing injuries with age. It is crucial to adopt a broad focus on the health of children including optimal development, growth and wellbeing in addition to morbidity and mortality. Strengthening the health system with integration of interventions into packages of care that can be delivered during pregnancy, childbirth, the neonatal period, childhood and adolescence at all levels of care are key to further reduce child mortality and promote health.