In a major medical breakthrough, the Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) has unveiled new clinical findings that may reshape how childhood pneumonia is treated across Africa.
Released just ahead of MLI’s 10-year anniversary, the PediCAP clinical trial shows that children hospitalized with severe community-acquired pneumonia can be safely switched from injectable antibiotics to oral medications much earlier than previously thought—and that shorter treatment courses are equally effective.
The study, which ran from 2020 to 2023, enrolled 1,100 children aged between 2 months and 6 years across Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
According to the results, children who responded well to initial injectable antibiotics could be transitioned to oral therapy within days and discharged sooner, a move that slashes healthcare costs and reduces risks linked to prolonged hospital stays.
Lead investigator Dr. Victor Musiime, a pediatrician and infectious diseases expert, called the findings “a potential game-changer” for child health on the continent.
“Our results show it’s both safe and effective to switch from injectables once the child improves,” Musiime explained. “Even more, we found that shorter treatment—four to five days—works just as well. That’s good news for hospitals, families, and antibiotic stewardship.”
The findings challenge current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend five full days of injectable antibiotics, often requiring children to remain in hospital throughout. For many low-resource families, this poses a major financial and emotional burden.
Makerere Lung Institute’s Deputy Director, Dr. Rebecca Nantanda, emphasized the broader significance of this Africa-led research.
“This is proof that Africa can lead when it comes to research grounded in our own health realities,” she said. “It’s not just about innovation; it’s about impact—real, life-saving impact.”
One key highlight of the trial was the effectiveness of plain amoxicillin—an affordable, widely available antibiotic—compared to more expensive alternatives like amoxicillin-clavulanate. The implication? Simpler, cheaper treatments that don’t compromise on care.
Dr. Damalie Nalwanga, another researcher on the project, underscored the practical benefits.
“This means fewer children stuck in hospital beds, less unnecessary antibiotic use, and more affordable treatment for families,” she noted. “It’s safer, smarter, and more sustainable.”
As the Lung Institute approaches its 10-year milestone in November 2025, the PediCAP trial marks a pivotal achievement in its legacy of championing lung health and child survival.
Dr. Nantanda reflected on what lies ahead:
“This is just the beginning. We’re setting the pace for the next decade of cutting-edge, African-led research.”
The results are now expected to influence updates to pneumonia treatment protocols across Africa, offering fresh hope against the leading infectious killer of children under five on the continent.
