Setting the scene for an ARI control programme: is it worthwhile in Saudi Arabia?

Baseline data on acute respiratory infections (ARI) were collected by a survey questionnaire distributed to physicians of 10% of the health centres randomly selected from each of the five provinces of Saudi Arabia. The physicians estimated that ARI was the cause of sickness in 50% of ill children < 5 years in 1995. None of the physicians had had any training in ARI and they were not aware of any national protocol or programme. Physicians' responses indicated an over-use of antibiotics and diagnostic procedures. A national protocol for diagnosis and treatment of ARI has been prepared and distributed and leaders of primary health care and 55 national trainers have been trained.