Azithromycin mass drug administration to reduce childhood mortality in humanitarian crises

This review proposes that azithromycin MDA could support existing humanitarian interventions and help address mortality from respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in displaced populations. Mortality rates in crises frequently exceed WHO recommended thresholds for initiating MDA.

Operationally, the MDA is feasible, low-cost, and synergises with existing relief efforts like vaccination. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern, the proposed use, likely a single round or short-term intervention during acute emergencies, may mitigate long-term resistance selection compared to routine biannual dosing. The potential to rapidly reduce excess mortality may outweigh the AMR risks.