Childhood Pneumonia Remains Leading Cause of Under-Five Deaths in India; SAANS Campaign Launched to Combat Crisis

Rohit Kumar

Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 November 2024

Childhood pneumonia continues to be the top infectious killer among children under five in India, contributing to 17.5% of under-five fatalities nationwide. In response, the government has launched the SAANS (Social Awareness & Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully) Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and raising community awareness about pneumonia prevention. Running from November 12, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the campaign carries the tagline “Pneumonia nahi, toh bachpan sahi,” underscoring the importance of a pneumonia-free childhood.

The campaign launch coincides with World Pneumonia Day on November 12, 2024, an observance dedicated to accelerating efforts against childhood pneumonia. This year, the focus is on promoting awareness around the protection, prevention, and treatment of the disease, with an emphasis on early identification and encouraging parents and caregivers to seek timely medical care. Key goals include educating the public about the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and highlighting the impacts of indoor and outdoor pollution on respiratory health.

Through the SAANS Campaign, the government aims to foster health-promoting behaviours across communities, working towards reducing childhood pneumonia mortality to fewer than 3 per 1,000 live births by 2025. Community health workers, including ANMs and ASHAs, will play a crucial role in identifying cases early and facilitating immediate intervention.

The public is urged to support health workers in these efforts, helping to secure a safer and healthier future for India’s youngest citizens.

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