Nagaland observes World Pneumonia Day

Dimapur, Nov. 12 (EMN): Several districts across Nagaland World Pneumonia Day on November 12. The day is observed to ensure early detection and create awareness of pneumonia in children under the age of five.

World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on November 12 to spread awareness and educate people to combat Pneumonia disease, which is a world’s biggest infectious killer of adults and children, responsible for the majority of death of children below five around the world. The day is also focused on creating ample opportunity and encourage for the global action mainly in the low and middle income countries to fight the toll due to pneumonia and other respiratory infection.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory respiratory disorder caused due to bacteria, viruses or fungal infections which impair the air sacs of the lungs called "Alveoli." It results in the accumulation of fluid or pus in the air sacs, making breathing difficult. It is a contagious disease and could be fatal for the person with weaker immunity especially among children and elderly people.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung district observed World Pneumonia Day on November 12 during a programme held in the conference hall of the chief medical officer (CMO).

Speaking at the launch event, the additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Chumlamo Humtsoe, stated that lives of many children are loss due to lack of awareness despite Pneumonia being a preventable disease. He, therefore, called upon the members to educate and sensitise the community for timely intervention in preventing Pneumonia.

Dr. Imlisenba, pediatrician at IMDH, made a powerpoint presentation on SAAN. He explained that SAAN campaign was launched to prevent and control child deaths due to pneumonia. He stated that the government has initiated equal standard treatment protocols, capacity building, community awareness and mass media campaign through SAAN campaign.

Delivering the welcome address, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mokokchung, Dr. limatula Aier, stated that pneumonia is a common ailment among children. She stated that morbidity of pneumonia could be reduced by timely intervention.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Limanaro. DPO (NCD), Mokokchung. The programme was attended by medical officers and officials from the department of Social Welfare, DPMU and CMO staff.

Peren: In a related programme, the Peren District Health Society (DHS) also observed ‘World Pneumonia Day’ at Jalukie Town Women Welfare Hall, on November 12.

Dr. Hedungkiebe, DVBO, chaired the programme and delivered the welcome address, while the deputy CMO of Peren, Dr. Lanuakum, made a short powerpoint presentation on SAANS, wherein he stated that the aim of the campaign was to ensure greater awareness and early detection of pneumonia in children under five of age.

He has emphasised on accelerating action against childhood pneumonia by generating awareness on protection, prevention and treatment aspects of childhood pneumonia and to enhance early identification and care seeking behaviours among parents and caregivers.

The special guest and ADC of Jalukie, TL Kiusumong Tikhir, thanked the healthcare workers for their dedication and hard work in implementing various health activities across the district. He encouraged the participants to create more awareness about the signs and symptoms, do's and don't and join hands together to make the campaign a success.

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

Tuensang: Tuensang district observed World Pneumonia Day at the conference hall of the CMO’s office with Ketsinle Tep, EAC of Tuensang, as special guest.

The DPO (UIP & RCH), Dr. Sentiyenla, spoke on the important components under SAANS--protection, prevention and treatment. She also shared about aims and objectives of SAANS and planned activities on community awareness. 

The programme was chaired by Mongko Chollen, DPM (NHM), while an invocation was offered by Akong, pastor of TTBPU president, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Wapangla, MO, RBSK.