MLW has published the largest study of chronic lung disease in Africa and made the novel observation that 38% of Malawians have abnormal spirometry, mainly restrictive (small) lungs. Small lungs are associated with chronic lung disease and acute pneumonia (Jary – Thorax in press) and the high observed prevalence indicates that as the population ages, a large burden of pneumonia driven by underlying lung disease will present. The largest intervention study ever to reduce household air pollution has been published; use of an improved cook stove had no effect in reducing childhood pneumonia.
(PIs: Gordon S, Rylance)