Patterns of severe Acure Respiratory Infections in children under five years old in Colombia: An ecological study

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, disproportionately affecting children under the age of five. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ARIs significantly contribute to pediatric morbidity (1) also being the leading cause of death among children under five years old, underscoring their critical impact on child mortality worldwide (2). Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections due to a variety of risk factors.