‘17.5% deaths in children under 5 yrs occur due to pneumonia’

Varanasi: The community health workers in urban and rural areas are identifying children with pneumonia symptoms and referring them for medical care under the SANS (pneumonia management) campaign.

The campaign, which is underway since Nov 12 and will continue until Feb 28, aims to reduce the mortality rate of children aged 0 to 5 years by preventing pneumonia and providing timely treatment.

CMO Dr Sandeep Chaudhary, said that the medical care of children is being continuously monitored and supervised. Approximately 17.5% of deaths in children under five occur due to pneumonia caused by lung infections, bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. All nursing mothers should ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding and vitamin A supplementation.

They should also focus on vaccinations, hand hygiene, clean drinking water, and reducing household pollution to prevent illnesses. Deputy chief medical officer and RCH program nodal officer Dr HC Maurya said that all community health centres, primary health centres, and district hospitals have been sensitised for pneumonia management, and all necessary equipment and medicines are available for timely treatment of pneumonia. Under the campaign, 3,522 children have been examined by community health workers, with 272 identified, 118 treated at primary health centres, and 154 referred to district hospitals and medical colleges, so far.

Various factors like low birth weight, malnutrition, lack of breastfeeding for six months and not getting measles and PCV vaccinations can cause pneumonia in children.