Longleng, Peren observe World Pneumonia Day, launch SAANS

DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the country, District Health Society Longleng observed World Pneumonia Day-cum-district launching of SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia) at CMO conference hall, Longleng, on Monday, with special guest Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P, EAC, Hq Longleng.

SAANS is a campaign that aims to increase early detection and awareness of pneumonia in children under the age of five.

Dr. Imnameren Phom, district programme officer (RCH/UIP), Longleng, gave a brief presentation on the occasion, explaining that the day is observed to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of clean air all over the world, according to a press release.

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He added that the day is focused on encouraging global action to combat the toll of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. He also discussed the significance of World Pneumonia Day, its risk factors, and the goal of SAANS, which is to intensify action to reduce mortality due to childhood pneumonia in India to less than three per thousand live births by 2025.

Konyak spoke about the significance of World Pneumonia Day and the district launch of SAANS in his speech. He urged all participants to give their full support to create and raise awareness about pneumonia in the community with the assistance of churches.

He also spoke about how churches play an important role in raising awareness and controlling indoor air pollution, which is one of the main causes of pneumonia, and he encouraged everyone to recommit themselves and make good efforts in the hope of achieving a better outcome.

The launch programme was also observed in all of Longleng district's primary health centres (PHC), community health centres (CHC), health and wellness centres (HWC), and sub-centres (SC).

Peren: The District Health Society, Peren, launched SAANS and observed World Pneumonia Day at the District Hospital (DH), Peren.

Dr. Rukuwe Thelie, a paediatrician at DH Peren, gave a brief presentation on SAANS, providing a basic overview and goals of the programme. He said that the campaign's goal is to raise awareness and early detection of pneumonia in children under the age of five and added that pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

He emphasised the importance of accelerating action against childhood pneumonia by raising awareness about the protection, prevention, and treatment aspects of childhood pneumonia, as well as improving early detection and care-seeking behaviours among parents and caregivers. 

In his brief speech, special guest Keyirangding Hegui, ADC, Peren, thanked the health workers for their dedication and hard work in implementing various health activities throughout the district. He stated that all logistics requirements would be met and that he would be available to assist whenever needed.

He encouraged the participants to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms, as well as the Do's and Don'ts, and to work together to make the campaign a success.

The programme was also launched at Tening CHC and Ahthibung PHC.

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