Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has sounded the alarm on pneumonia, highlighting its devastating impact on children under five years old.
In commemoration of World Pneumonia Day, the ministry revealed in a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) that pneumonia claims over 700,000 young lives annually, accounting for nearly 15% of all deaths in this age group.
“Pneumonia kills more than 700,000 children every year, accounting for nearly 15 percent of all deaths of children under five. It remains a serious health threat in Nigeria, particularly for children under five, and is responsible for thousands of preventable deaths every year.”, the statement read.
This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and action to combat this preventable disease.
Pneumonia is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection that inflames the lungs, making breathing difficult.
It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the air, and its symptoms include coughing, trouble breathing, and fever.
Children with immature or compromised immune systems, such as newborns, premature babies, and those with underlying health conditions, are particularly vulnerable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says pneumonia can be prevented through immunization, adequate nutrition, and addressing environmental factors.
Furthermore, bacterial pneumonia can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, only a third of children with pneumonia receive the necessary treatment.
According to UNICEF, When a child is infected, their lungs get inflamed, may fill with fluid or pus and it becomes difficult to breathe.
“Children whose immune systems are immature (i.e. newborns or premature babies) along with those with poor immunities are more vulnerable to pneumonia,” said UNICEF.
It listed the most common symptoms as coughing, trouble breathing and fever.
“Children with pneumonia usually experience fast breathing, or their lower chest may draw in or retract when they inhale (in a healthy person, the chest expands during inhalation),” it explained.
To protect children from pneumonia, parents and caregivers are advised to take proactive steps.
Ensuring exclusive breastfeeding, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of respiratory infections can help prevent the spread of pneumonia.
