ChildLife Foundation warns of smog threat to kids on Pneumonia Day

KARACHI: Warning of the escalating threat of climate change and environmental crises, such as the ongoing smog emergency, to child health in Pakistan on World Pneumonia Day, the ChildLife Foundation calls for prevention, including vaccination and community awareness.

The foundation warns that worsening air pollution is exacerbating respiratory issues, making children increasingly susceptible to pneumonia—one of the leading causes of preventable child deaths globally.

Each year, pneumonia claims the lives of over 800,000 children worldwide, with smog and deteriorating air quality compounding the crisis. In urban areas, where pollution levels are particularly high, the effects of climate change are intensifying the battle against pneumonia, complicating both its management and prevention.

The ChildLife Foundation, in partnership with the government, is addressing this health emergency by providing free, life-saving emergency care to over two million children annually through its 13 pediatric Emergency Rooms (ERs) and more than 300 Telemedicine Satellite Centers across the country.

With state-of-the-art medical facilities, ChildLife’s ERs provide essential treatments such as oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and urgent care for severe cases, ensuring no child is left untreated.

Dr. Irfan Habib, Medical Director of ChildLife Foundation, stressed, “The impact of climate change on children’s health is undeniable. As smog levels worsen, we are witnessing a concerning rise in respiratory issues among young patients. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the highest quality care.”

The foundation is calling on all sectors of society—healthcare providers, environmental advocates, and communities—to come together in addressing the impacts of climate change on children’s health.

Collaborative efforts to protect the environment and curb pollution are crucial to safeguarding children and preventing the further spread of diseases like pneumonia.