More About Pneumonia and How We Can Fight Back
Nearly two million children die each year from pneumonia and related complications. According to the World Health Organization, that translates to one child dying about every 15 seconds. Despite these staggering numbers, childhood pneumonia does not receive the attention or funding that a disease of this magnitude merits, and pneumonia has not been a priority on the global health agenda.
Causes and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute lower respiratory infection and inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Some 155 million cases of childhood pneumonia occur every year throughout the world. An estimated 98 percent of children who die of pneumonia live in developing countries. The disease is most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Children with pneumonia may experience a number of symptoms: rapid or difficult breathing, cough, fever, chills, loss of appetite, wheezing, and — in severe cases — lower chest in-drawing. Sometimes called the "forgotten killer", pneumonia can sometimes masquerade as other illnesses.
Who Are Most Vulnerable
The poorest and most marginalized families and communities suffer most from pneumonia and related complications. Children with weakened immune systems are most at risk of contracting pneumonia. Because this illness can take a young life very quickly, treatment with antibiotics must be accessible close to home. Due to distance, difficult terrain, lack of transport, or other factors — families have limited access to care at health centers or hospitals.
How to Treat and Prevent Pneumonia
Local trained community health workers can assess clinical symptoms and provide life-saving treatment with antibiotics. With adequate follow-up, most children with pneumonia can be cared for effectively at home. For severe cases, rapid referral for specialized treatment at area hospitals is necessary.
We know that one million child deaths could be prevented every year if the world's poorest children received existing vaccinations and antibiotic treatment. Fighting pneumonia is a critical strategy for countries working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, one of which is to reduce under-5 child deaths by two-thirds. We have the solutions, now we need the support!
Read Dr. David Marsh's expert advice about Pneumonia.
