Vaccination and breastfeeding can address pneumonia, say experts

‘Cost-effective health measures can go a long way in saving lives’

On Sunday, observed as World Pneumonia Day, doctors in the city say cost-effective preventive health measures, including vaccination, can go a long way in protecting lives.

Pneumonia kills an estimated 10 lakh children worldwide and India accounts for a large number of these deaths. The physicians say simple measures like hand-washing and avoiding exposure to infection can help prevent death or the cost of expensive treatment. Immunisation to fight viral and bacterial infection is essential, they say.

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are the most common bacterial causes of the disease affecting the children. Though they have been around for many years now, vaccines to prevent the infection by these bacteria have only been recently introduced in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme. That apart, public health experts say vaccines to prevent measles and whopping cough are essential.

A report titled

Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report: Driving Progress through Equitable Investment and Action from the International Vaccine Access Centre at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that India’s vaccine coverage falls below the standards set by the World Health Organisation under its Integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea. Sudan, China, Bangladesh and Tanzania, which are among the 14 other countries that contribute to the disease burden, had better coverage last year, the report has found. In Telangana, Hib vaccine was introduced two years ago in the State’s immunisation schedule, while pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for preventing infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae are yet to be introduced in the government hospitals.

“In areas where the vaccine may not yet be available under the Universal Immunisation Programme, we advise parents to consult their paediatricians about alternative solutions that can offer broad coverage,” said Sanjay Srirampur, chief consultant paediatrician at Aditya Hospitals.

Pneumonia is also one of the leading causes of infant and neonatal mortality, which needs to be addressed with dual approach of vaccination and breastfeeding, says Ramesh Dampuri, resident medical officer at the State-run Niloufer Hospital.

“The immunity transfer from mother to child helps fight infection-causing agents. For neonates, it is essential to start breastfeeding in the first hour after birth by providing the newborn with colostrum,” he said.