Pneumonia: Every Breath Counts as Decisive Measures to Salvage Humanity from Public Health Threat

As the world commemorates World Pneumonia Day 2024, Korede Abdullah sheds light on Nigeria’s pressing need to intensify efforts against pneumonia, a major public health threat claiming thousands of lives annually.

The Annul Pneumonia Day

November 12, 2024, marked the annual World Pneumonia Day, a crucial global event aimed at raising awareness about pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening lung infection that claims millions of lives worldwide.

This year’s observance comes at a critical time, as pneumonia remains the single biggest infectious killer of adults and children, accounting for 2.2 million deaths in 2021, including 502,000 children.

The alarming statistics are further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed the global health landscape to the brink, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against this deadly disease.

A Global Call to Action

World Pneumonia Day 2024, observed on November 12, sounds a clarion call to action with its theme “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Tracks.”

This year’s focus underscores the urgent need to prevent and treat pneumonia, a leading cause of death globally, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five and the elderly.

Despite being preventable and treatable, pneumonia continues to claim countless lives, emphasizing the critical importance of intensified efforts to address this pressing health issue.

The World Pneumonia Day initiative zeroes in on three key areas: prevention through vaccination, proper nutrition, and clean air initiatives; treatment via access to healthcare, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy; and awareness through public education on early symptoms and prevention methods.

By concentrating on these crucial aspects, stakeholders aim to reduce pneumonia’s prevalence and mitigate its devastating impact.

As the global community comes together to mark World Pneumonia Day, it is essential to recommit to ensuring better access to healthcare, vaccines, and clean air initiatives, ultimately saving lives and building healthier, more resilient communities.

Effective action today can help stop pneumonia in its tracks, making every breath count.

A Dire Situation in Nigeria

Nigeria is facing a dire situation with pneumonia being the leading cause of child deaths in the country. Despite global interventions being available, Nigeria’s progress in combating pneumonia has been slow, with under-five pneumonia deaths dropping by only 8% between 2000 and 2015, compared to a 51% decline globally.

Unacceptably High Death Toll

In 2022, an estimated 878,829 children died from acute respiratory tract infections (ARI), with stark disparities in death rates across countries.

Canada reported less than 0.01 deaths per 1,000, while Chad recorded nearly 30 deaths per 1,000. This staggering gap highlights extreme socioeconomic and geographic inequities in access to lifesaving tools.

Nigeria Bears the Brunt

Nigeria carries a disproportionate burden, ranking third in under-five deaths from ARI and accounting for half of all childhood pneumonia deaths worldwide, along with four other countries. This alarming reality underscores the need for targeted interventions.

Persistent Threat to Children’s Lives Despite Progress

The 2006 UNICEF report, “Pneumonia: the forgotten killer of children,” sparked a global response to tackle the leading cause of childhood deaths worldwide.

Efforts accelerated, and childhood pneumonia deaths declined by 51% between 2000 and 2015. However, the latest data reveals that pneumonia still claims an unacceptable number of young lives.

Key Factors Stalling Progress

Several factors have contributed to Nigeria’s sluggish progress. A weak health system has hindered the delivery of necessary services, while a lack of coordination and funding has limited the effectiveness of anti-pneumonia efforts.

Moreover, inadequate data on pneumonia intervention coverage has made it challenging to track progress and hold stakeholders accountable.

A New Strategy Emerges

In response to these challenges, the Federal Ministry of Health has developed a National Pneumonia Control Strategy with support from the “Every Breath Counts Coalition” (EBCC).

This groundbreaking strategy outlines a unified approach to tackling pneumonia, both within and outside the health sector.

Implementation Challenges

Effective implementation of this strategy will require strong political will and sustainable financing.

With Nigeria contributing the highest number of global child pneumonia deaths, accounting for approximately 162,000 deaths in 2018, the stakes are high.

Malnutrition, indoor air pollution, and outdoor air pollution are significant risk factors, and addressing these underlying issues is crucial.

Causes of Pneumonia

According to health experts, pneumonia is primarily caused by various factors, including Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, viral infections like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), indoor and outdoor air pollution, and malnutrition.

These causes can be particularly devastating for vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.

How to Combat the Disease

To combat pneumonia,experts say prevention is key. This can be achieved through various measures, including Vaccination, which involves getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, influenza, and other related illnesses.

Additionally, practicing good hygiene through frequent handwashing, proper disposal of waste, and keeping surroundings clean can significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Creating a healthy environment by using clean cooking fuels, avoiding indoor smoking, and reducing outdoor air pollution is also crucial

Furthermore, ensuring adequate nutrition to maintain a strong immune system and seeking early Treatment if symptoms persist are essential preventive measures.

Medical experts say by taking the preventive measures, communities can significantly reduce pneumonia-related illnesses and deaths.

Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months can also boost infant immunity, while access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities can greatly reduce the risk of pneumonia 

According to reputable health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and UNICEF, staying informed and taking action can help prevent pneumonia in your community.