The lowest paid government worker earns 11.3 USD weekly. Therefore, to purchase cotrimoxazole, the cheapest drug for the treatment of uncomplicated pneumonia without hospitalisation from the private and public sectors, respectively this worker would work for 2 and 3 hours. Since results show a preference for penicillin (58%) to cotrimoxazole (45%) in the treatment of pneumonia, a worker would be expected to part with 6 hours’ wage for treatment of a child who has been prescribed penicillin in both public and private sector facilities.