Unified action against pneumonia

.... UNICEF calls for immediate measures to address pneumonia, believed to be a leading cause of death among children and elderly persons in Zambia.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka,  Zambia24, November 12, 2024 - Zambia marked World Pneumonia Day 2024 with a strong call to action to tackle pneumonia, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, kicked off the event under the theme "Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia." 

He emphasized the severe toll of pneumonia, describing it as the world’s deadliest infectious disease. 

Dr. Lishimpi noted that pneumonia claims over 700,000 young lives annually. “This loss is unacceptable, especially when the disease can be prevented and treated,” he said. 

He urged the community to become champions in this crucial fight, calling for collective action to curb pneumonia-related deaths.

The Ministry of Health spotlighted the importance of prevention methods such as vaccination, good hygiene, and proper nutrition. 

Dr. Lishimpi emphasized the need for parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the necessary vaccines, particularly for those under five. 

"Vaccination is a key tool in the fight against pneumonia," he said. 

He also highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life to strengthen a child’s immune system. 

"Breastfeeding is essential in preventing severe respiratory infections," Dr. Lishimpi explained. 

He further encouraged regular handwashing, avoiding crowded spaces, and adopting healthy lifestyles as crucial preventive measures.

The Ministry has made significant progress in bolstering Zambia’s healthcare capacity to address pneumonia. 

Dr. Lishimpi shared that the number of pediatricians has increased to 148, with 48 added in the last two years alone. 

Pediatric care is now available at major hospitals, and plans are underway to extend services to primary healthcare centers. 

He also emphasized the critical role of Community Health Workers in pneumonia prevention. 

"Community Health Workers are pivotal in vaccine administration, health education, and referring patients to health facilities," he said.

Dr. Lishimpi commended UNICEF and other partners for their support in improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly through expanding oxygen supply—a vital treatment for severe pneumonia. 

He revealed that UNICEF had refurbished six oxygen plants and was working to extend this network to 15 more facilities. 

“Oxygen support is life-saving for children with severe pneumonia,” he noted. 

He also praised the Zambia Pediatric Association and the University Teaching Hospital Children’s Hospital for advancing care and training healthcare professionals.

 Dr. Lishimpi concluded by calling for collaboration across all sectors to end pneumonia-related deaths. 

“Every life lost to pneumonia is a tragedy. We must act collectively to ensure that no child’s life is cut short by preventable disease,” he stressed.

Dr. Sarita Verma, a health specialist at UNICEF, also addressed the urgency of tackling pneumonia, which continues to be the leading infectious cause of death among children under five. 

Speaking at the event, she emphasized that Zambia’s under-five mortality rate remains alarmingly high at 61 deaths per 1,000 live births, far above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.

 “Pneumonia causes 29% of neonatal deaths and approximately 16% of deaths in children under five in Zambia. Worldwide, it takes over 700,000 lives annually,” Dr. Verma said. “These are preventable deaths.”

UNICEF, alongside the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has identified three key strategies to combat pneumonia: improving vaccination coverage, expanding access to healthcare, and promoting proper breastfeeding and nutrition. 

Dr. Verma highlighted vaccination as the most effective tool to prevent pneumonia and reduce the severity of diseases like measles and Haemophilus influenzae type B.

 However, she noted that barriers such as the distance from healthcare facilities and the cost of medication prevent many families from seeking care. 

"We need to strengthen healthcare systems and provide community-based solutions to overcome these challenges," she said.

 Additionally, Dr. Verma underscored the role of breastfeeding and good nutrition in building a child’s immunity and reducing the risk of severe pneumonia.

The Zambia Pneumonia Association (ZPA) also joined the call for action, pointing out that pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five in the country. 

Dr. Nfwama Kawatu, Vice President of the Zambia Pediatricians Association (ZPA), urged a unified approach to tackling the disease.

 “Pneumonia is one of the top causes of death among children. Our goal is to ensure every child in Zambia has access to the highest standard of pediatric care,” Dr. Kawatu stated.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, and international organizations, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing childhood pneumonia.

 Dr. Kawatu expressed gratitude to partners like the Ministry of Health, Victoria Hospital, UNICEF, and Mega Care Pharmaceuticals for their ongoing support. 

She stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns and wider access to life-saving treatments, particularly in underserved regions. 

The Ministry of Health echoed these sentiments, pledging to further enhance healthcare services to reduce child mortality.

Dr. Musaku Mwenechanya, a representative from the Children’s Clinic, emphasized the importance of integrating wellness programs into daily life during his speech at a health event. 

He thanked attendees for their commitment to prioritizing health and wellness, noting that half of the children seen at the clinic are suffering from pneumonia. 

“When we encounter healthy children, it is a true blessing,” he said. 

He stressed the clinic’s dedication to preventive health measures. The event, sponsored by UNICEF and organized by a committed planning team, was praised for its well-executed structure. 

Dr. Mwenechanya highlighted the importance of wellness as an ongoing practice rather than a one-off event.

He urged institutions to adopt similar wellness programs to ensure the health of their staff and communities, pointing to the success of the Children’s Hospital’s regular aerobic sessions for health workers.

 “Wellness should be part of our daily routines,” he emphasized. 

Dr. Mwenechanya concluded by thanking all attendees and encouraging them to continue embracing wellness practices. 

This message for greater health awareness is a vital step in improving public health, especially for children in Zambia.