ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, like other countries of the world, marked World Pneumonia Day on Saturday by raising awareness about preventing the deadly disease of pneumonia that causes deaths in children annually.
Various departments, both public and private, especially hospitals, arranged awareness sessions and seminars to educate the people about the possible prevention measures which can be taken to remain safe from this disease.
The day was marked in 2009 for the first time and is now celebrated every year to ensure steps to prevent the world from the impacts of the disease.
According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, the influenza and pneumonia deaths rate reached 83,483, which is 5.72 percent of total deaths in Pakistan.
WHO states that Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide, but this rate is highest in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause pneumonia. The disease caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, but only one-third of children with pneumonia receive the antibiotics they need.
WHO says that effective diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia are critical to improving child survival.
Ending preventable diarrhea- and pneumonia-related deaths is an urgent priority to meet the Sustainable Development Goal targets.
The WHO and UNICEF integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) aims to accelerate pneumonia control with a combination of interventions to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia in children.
WHO stated that pneumonia could be prevented by immunization, adequate nutrition, and addressing environmental factors.
Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs.
The lungs are made up of tiny sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake.
The day provides a platform for the world to unite to fight against the disease. – APP
