Potential Reduction of Mortality from Invasive Pneumococcal Infection among Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Haiti

Abstract

Main problem background: Acute lower respiratory illness is the most common cause of death among children less than 5 years of age in Haiti. Because children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) have a very high risk of contracting invasive pneumococcal infection which may lead to bacteremia and pneumonia, childhood mortality among children with SCD will be significantly higher if they are not diagnosed and receive penicillin prophylaxis and appropriate immunizations. Currently, Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) is not routinely given to any children in Haiti.