The overall aim of the study is to provide evidence that introducing novel biomarkers evaluation at triaging (first clinical assessment), in combination with IMCI-based guidelines (SoC), is a viable strategy to enhance rapid and accurate identification of febrile children at increased risk of life-threatening infections compared to IMCI-based strategies alone (SoC), and to demonstrate whether this results in enhanced decisions of admission/referral vs discharge, and enhanced overall health outcome of children with acute fever in sub-Saharan Africa.
Age ≥2 months and <60 months
Written informed consent from the child's parent or caregiver
History of fever for ≤7 days OR hypothermia (i.e., axillary temperature <35.5ºC) OR suspected severe infection (e.g., in children with moderate or severe acute malnutrition).
Lives within the catchment area of the study facility and must intend to continue to reside there for the duration of the study
Weight less than 2.5kg
Main reason for consultation is an injury, trauma or acute poisoning
Enrolled in another clinical trial testing a new drug
Enrolled in a vaccine trial in the last 3 months.