Improving Antibiotic Stewardship for Children With Respiratory Illness Presenting to Village Health Workers in Uganda

The STAR Sick Child Job Aid is a modified ICCM protocol that includes the addition of a point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) test to inform antibiotic treatment decisions for children presenting with febrile acute respiratory illness who do not have any danger signs. If CRP ≥ 40 mg/L, the village health worker (VHW) will dispense amoxicillin per local guidelines. If CRP \< 40 mg/L, the VHW will advise symptomatic care alone including acetaminophen for fever and additional fluids to maintain hydration.