World Pneumonia Day 2018: Here's why India needs Pneumonia vaccine campaign

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Representational Image
Representational Image

New Delhi : It's World Pneumonia Day today! Yes, every year on November 12, the day is observed to awareness about pneumonia, following, protection, prevention and treatment of this deadly disease. This year, the theme of this important day is "“Stop Pneumonia: Invest in Child Health”.

One should know that Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of deaths in children under five years of age. Despite of pneumonia vaccines and other preventive measures, the disease is yet snatching several lives. People living in poor and unhygienic communities are at a higher risk of pneumonia. Besides, every child irrespective of where they live, should take preventive vaccines and medication to get rid of this serious threat in near future.

According to report, India takes the burden of nearly 20 percent of global pneumonia deaths. To eradicate the disease, a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was introduced under the Universal Immunization Programme from 2017 in a phased manner in districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. It is now being introduced to include Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, remaining districts of Bihar, six new districts of Uttar Pradesh and nine districts in Rajasthan.

What is Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)?

It’s a vaccine to provide protection against meningitis and other diseases caused by the pneumococcus bacteria and can be administered to children at 6 weeks, 14 weeks and 9 months (booster dose) of age. This expensive vaccine has been available in the private market in India. But unfortunately, it has been accessible to vulnerable children who need it most. These children include low birth babies, born in remote locations and whose families who do not have access to information and many times those who are unable to afford such a vital yet expensive vaccine.

The additional benefits of PCV are protection against life-threatening meningitis and sepsis, tempering the threat of antibiotic resistance and overuse and preventing life-long disabilities.

Though India has started its fight against pneumonia, the struggle won't be fruitful till it reaches the disadvantaged sections of society. Over the years the government has launched and implemented several programs and schemes dedicated to infant health. One popular scheme is Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) to achieve universal immunization of children in the country. Let's see how this scheme works out!