A Correspondent
SHILLONG: The State launch of SAANS (Social Awareness and Actions to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) was held on Monday at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong. The objective of the SAANS programme is the prevention of child death from pneumonia and diarrhoea. The target age group is 0 – 5 years of age.
Dr. P. Manners, Joint DHS (MCH&FW)-cum-Nodal Officer Child Health highlighted that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of loss of life of children under 5 years of age. In the country more than 1 lakh children die from pneumonia. Meghalaya is also one of the States in the country where Pneumonia has taken the lives of around 800 children under 5 years of age. Pneumonia has caused a lot of loss of lives in children. As parents and care takers there is a need to identify pneumonia as deadly and a major concern.
Ramkumar S, Mission Director, National Health Mission, in his speech mentioned that in Meghalaya, the Maternal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate are both on the higher side as compared with other States in the country. According to him, ante natal and post-natal checkups are of immense importance. Ramkumar said that interventions were needed between Health Department and Social Welfare and Education Department. He also informed that in order to keep pneumonia in check, a collaborated monthly review meeting will be held. It is a major concern that mothers in the State are young, he said. In the last three months, the infant deaths have come down significantly in the State. He informed that ASHAs and other field workers have been trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of pneumonia. In spite of the mothers having multiple children, it has been seen that some mothers are still not able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pneumonia.
With awareness activities to be held on this programme, it is hoped that this information and educations will help mothers and other caretakers recognize these symptoms of pneumonia and hopefully bring the children for prompt and early treatment to prevent loss of life.
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