An estimated 92,000 children die from pneumonia in Pakistan every year and the country still stands among top five countries which account for 99 per cent of childhood cases, said prominent paediatrician Prof Dr Ayesha Mehnaz.
Dr Mehnaz, who is associated with Civil Hospital Karachi, was speaking at a news conference organised by Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) in connection with the World Pneumonia Day observed globally every year on Nov 12.
She said that the aim of organising press briefing was to raise awareness about this disease, its preventive measures and treatment facilities.
Dr Ayesha, who is also general secretary of PPA (Central), said World Pneumonia Day is the vibrant occasion that can be used as a platform to impart and share knowledge for combating the deadly disease.
She regretted that despite availability of the vaccine free under the EPI (Expanded Programme of Immunization), around 46 per cent of the child population in Pakistan still remains non-immunized, thereby leading to child mortality.
CEREMONY
The Health Department organized a ceremony at the DHQ hospital to mark World the Pneumonia Day.
ENT specialist Khalil Rehman Rana said children less than two years of age were at higher risk of contracting pneumonia.
Dr Sikandar stressed the need for vaccinating children against the disease. He said purpose of observing the day was to raise awareness about pneumonia, promote prevention and generate action to fight the illness. A large number of doctors, health department officials and civil society activists were present on the occasion.
News source: Medical News Pakistan
