Daily Times

Pakistan, like across the globe, marked World Pneumonia Day on Saturday through raising awareness about prevention of the deadly disease of pneumonia that cause numbers of deaths in children annually.

Various departments both public and private, especially hospitals, arranged awareness sessions and seminars to educate the people about the possible prevention measures which can be taken to remain safe from this disease. The day was marked in the year 2009 for the first time and now was celebrated every year to ensure steps to prevent the world from the impacts of the disease.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, influenza and pneumonia deaths rate reached 83,483 which is 5.72 percent of total deaths in Pakistan. WHO states that Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide but this rate is highest in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. The disease caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, but only one third of children with pneumonia receive the antibiotics they need. WHO says that effective diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia is critical to improve child survival. Ending preventable diarrhea- and pneumonia-related deaths is an urgent priority to meet the Sustainable Development Goal targets.