Pneumonia

In News

As per the Sample Registration System Report (2010-13) of the Registrar General of India, Pneumonia contributes to 16.9% of infant deaths and it is the 2nd highest cause of infant mortality.

Pneumonia

About:

• Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs known as alveoli.

Causes: 

• Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can lead to pneumonia.
• Top causes include:
  • Flu viruses
  • Cold viruses
  • RSV virus (the top cause of pneumonia in babies aged 1 or younger)
  • Bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia and Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Spread

• Pneumonia is contagious and can be spread through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread through fluids, like blood during childbirth, or from contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms

• Cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.

Vaccine

• Pneumonia caused by bacteria is easily preventable with vaccines. 3 doses of the primary vaccine (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) are recommended to prevent it.
  • Recently, the Serum Institute of India announced the launch of India’s first indigenously developed pneumococcal vaccine – Pneumosil.
• A new vaccine for one of the main viral causes of pneumonia is under development.
• India is planning for the nationwide rollout of PCV under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

Status of Pneumonia in India

• As per UNICEF data, more than one lakh children under the age of five years die every year in India due to pneumococcal disease.
• The top five contributors to India’s pneumococcal pneumonia burden in terms of the number of cases and deaths were Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.

Global Burden

• The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and Pakistan account for more than half of all deaths due to pneumonia among children under 5.

Initiatives in fighting Pneumonia

• Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD): It is an effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to accelerate disease prevention and control.
• Integrated Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD): It was launched in the year 2014, to undertake collaborative efforts towards the prevention of diarrhoea and Pneumonia related under-five deaths.
• Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia: It is an initiative of 9 leading health and children’s organisations including UNICEF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi among others.
• Social Awareness and Actions to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) Initiative: It aims to reduce child mortality due to pneumonia, which contributes to around 15% of deaths of children under the age of five annually.

Source: PIB