Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 13 November 2024
The State and District Level observance of World Pneumonia Day took place today, marking the official launch of the SAANS (Social Awareness & Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) Campaign. Coordinated by the District Health Society (SA), the State Health Society, and the Directorate of Health Services, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of childhood pneumonia. The initiative will run until February 28, 2025.
The event, held at the Directorate of Industries’ Conference Hall, featured a one-day training session for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary to educate communities on pneumonia prevention and early identification. The training emphasised enhancing awareness and providing proper care for children affected by pneumonia.
Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, was present at the event alongside Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director/JS (FW), Dr. Sunil Kumar, Chief Medical Officer (S), Mr. B. Nagendra, District Programme Manager of DHS (SA), and Medical Officers from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). During the event, Dr. Antony and Dr. Roy highlighted the significance of the SAANS Campaign, particularly its goal to empower AHSA workers and ANMs to raise awareness at the community level. They stressed the importance of strengthening the health system to effectively prevent and manage childhood pneumonia.
The SAANS Campaign, which carries the tagline “Pneumonia nahi, toh bachpan sahi” (No pneumonia, a healthy childhood), emphasizes the critical role pneumonia prevention plays in ensuring a healthy childhood and promoting overall development.
Dr. Shweta, Medical Officer from RBSK, welcomed the gathering and called for strong community support. The public has been encouraged to assist ANMs and ASHAs in early detection and treatment of pneumonia in children under five years of age.
The SAANS Campaign aims to significantly reduce childhood pneumonia cases through public awareness, community engagement, and strengthened healthcare services. Continued public support is crucial for the success of this important initiative.