Chennai: Around 2,500 children die every day due to pneumonia, a report by ministry of health and family welfare said earlier this year.
On World Pneumonia Day, pulmonologists and pediatricians say that pneumonia can be prevented by following panchatantra—breastfeeding, nutrition, hygiene, vaccination and pollution control.
It is the leading cause of death in children worldwide and can occur at any age, although is more common in infants younger than two. Around 13.6 infants of 1,000 still suffer from the disease in Tamil Nadu, as per a recent report.
“Breastfeeding can help infants fight numerous diseases including pneumonia which is inflammation of lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years with complementary feeding can help to prevent pneumonia as it increases the immunity level. Nutrition needs can be fulfilled by breastfeeding that can reduce the risk of child being malnourished,” said Dr C. Satheesh, president, Indian Academy of Pediatrics.
He emphasized on the need to encourage childhood vaccination in order to prevent the disease and significantly reduce its tragic toll amongst this vulnerable age group. Vaccination of pneumonocal conjugate vaccine to prevent Pneumonia is needed for all children.
“Maintaining hygiene is important to prevent the occurrence of any infectious diseases. Though children certainly need to be protected against outdoor pollution, very few people talk about indoor pollution, which can also cause pneumonia and other related allergies. Indoor pollution from smoking or use of sprays, incense sticks, mosquito coil in urban areas and from the use of dung or wood in stoves in rural areas, can lead to pneumonia and should therefore, be avoided,” said Dr Prasanna Thomas, pulmonologist, Fortis Malar Hospital.
A basic immunization schedule against pneumonia and awareness among all sections on the need of vaccination needs to be popularized.
Though ministry of health and family welfare announced the inclusion of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the programme has commenced in only selective states. Public health department should make efforts to include the vaccine in UIP at the earliest, recommend experts.
