Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): Marking the World Pneumonia Day, SAANS campaign (Social Awareness and Action Plan to Neutralize Pneumonia successfully) 2021 was launched across Nagaland on November 12.
The campaign launched on November 12 will culminate on February 28, 2022. During the four months campaign, focus will be on awareness generation and early intervention, capacity building of caregivers to identify critical early signs and symptoms of pneumonia.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, SAANS campaign was launched by Dr I Moatemjen, Chief Medical Officer Dimapur at CMO’s office.
Dr Rebecca, District Programme Officer, UIP/ RCH highlighted the keynotes on SAANS during the programme. She stated that the main objective of the campaign is to reduce child mortality due to pneumonia by creating awareness of pneumonia in the community and by improving clinical management of pneumonia.
She oriented the members on the PPT (Protect, Prevent, and Treatment) interventions to save children from pneumonia. She stated that a child can be protected from pneumonia by early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Pneumonia can be prevented by fully immunizing a child, reducing indoor air pollution and following practices such as regular hand washing with soap. Seeking early treatment in hospitals if the child has signs and symptoms such as fever, cough gets worse, fast breathing and chest in drawing. Early detection of the signs and symptoms, and seeking early treatment can reduce child mortality due to pneumonia, she added.
The programme was attended by Dr I Moatemjen, CMO, Dr Antoly Suu, Dy CMO, staff under CMO establishments.
Mon: In Mon district, SAANS campaign was launched by the guest of honour Thavaseelan K IAS Deputy Commissioner, Mon at CMO conference hall.
An orientation of SAANS campaign was held where Dr Chenjei, Medical Officer, Phomching PHC gave a presentation on the overview of the campaign. He spoke on the background of SAANS, the PPT approach- Protect, Prevent and Treat, planned activities on community awareness, capacity building, promotion, active screening and strengthen facility-level management.
Dr Mero (WHO RRT) presented on the goals of the SAANs campaign which is to intensify action for reducing mortality due to childhood pneumonia in India to less than 3 per thousand life births by 2025. He also shared the objectives of the campaign.
The meeting was chaired by Sosopem VCCM UNDP and vote of thanks was delivered by Bonnie, DPM NHM.
Peren: District Health Society, Peren organized the launching of SAANs at Jalukie CHC and also in all the health units. It was attended by administration, vertical departments and health workers.
Dr Hedunkiebe, DVBO (NVBDCP) in his keynote address shared about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, PCV vaccine, community participation to reduce child morbidity and mortality. He emphasized on the Prevention, Protection and Treatment, aims and objectives of SAANS and steps to be taken. Dr Solo, MO, Jalukie CHC shared about the signs and symptoms.
Tsenthungo E Ngullie, EAC, Ngwalwa in his short speech encouraged the health workers to implement the health services with dedication and zeal. He said that effective coordination and communication is very important to carry out the activities. He motivated the ASHAs to carry out the duties with responsibility. Free IEC materials were distributed.
Kohima: Kohima district level SAANS campaign was launched at DC’s Conference Hall Kohima in presence of Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Advisor for Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha, Deputy Commissioner Kohima Gregory Thejawelie NCS and all other stakeholders.
Chief Medical Officer, Kohima Dr Vezokholu Theyo giving a background on SAANS informed that SAANS campaign was launched in 2019 to prevent and control child deaths due to Pneumonia, which focused on awareness generation and early identification. CMO also highlighted the planned activities of the campaign, where she informed that community awareness, capacity building, promotion, active screening and strengthen facility-level management will be carried out during the campaign.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung launched the SAANS campaign at CMO Conference Hall. During a short launching programme, Dr R Chubala Aier CMO, Mokokchung addressed the participants saying that through SAANS campaign the community will be made aware and also improve clinical management of Pneumonia. She added that in childhood, pneumonia is the topmost infectious killer among children.
The programme was attended by Staff of CMO, Administration and School Education Department.
Zunheboto: Deputy Commissioner Peter Lichamo officially launched the SAANS campaign at Zunheboto.
District Programme Manager, Zunheboto briefed the participants about the SAANS Campaign which is to protect, prevent and treatment of Pneumonia, Provision of PVC and its administration and Active screening of under 5 children for early identification and management of Pneumonia.
