Dr Obed, Pediatrician, District Hospital Dimapur examining a child.
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): Dimapur District launched SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully) Campaign and also observed World Pneumonia Day 2024 at the Conference Hall of District Hospital Dimapur on November 13.
Dr Obed, Pediatrician, District Hospital Dimapur stated that the main objective of SAANS campaign which commenced from November 12, 2024 to February 28, 2025, is to reduce child mortality due to pneumonia by creating awareness of pneumonia in the community and by improving clinical management of pneumonia. During the four-month long campaign, activities such as awareness generation and early intervention, capacity building of caregivers to identify critical early signs & symptoms of pneumonia will be carried out. He highlighted the three main components of SAANs which are protection, prevention and treatment of pneumonia in children between the age of 0-2 months and 2 months to 5 years old. He stated that to protect a child from pneumonia, exclusive breastfeeding for six months should be given to all newborns with vitamin A supplement to build strong immune system. To protect children from pneumonia, it’s essential to immunize them with vaccines such as PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), Pentavalent Vaccine etc and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing by caregivers. Reducing household air pollution is also important to prevent pneumonia in children. The key to effective treatment and improved outcome is early detection and diagnosis at an early stage
He also oriented the participants on pneumonia which is inflammation in the lungs, its causes, symptom, and treatment. He highlighted the four general danger signs of pneumonia in children of the age of 2 months to 5 years which includes loss of appetite or unable to be breastfed, vomiting, convulsion, lethargic or fatigue. Two clinical signs of pneumonia are fast breathing and chest indrawing. He urged caregivers to refer to hospital for further investigations if any one of the danger signs is identified.
Health care providers must assess for cough, difficulty in breathing, stridor, breathing rate, chest indrawing, whizzing sounds, and must check oxygen level. He further went on to sensitized the participants on the various categories of pneumonia and case managements at home and in hospitals.
The programme was chaired by Dr Rongsennungla, DPO, RCH-UIP and attended by nurses under pediatric ward and 1st Year Nursing students under North East Christian University, Dimapur.
World Pneumonia Day was also observed in all health units across Dimapur District.
