Pneumonia Day walks, symposiums in Lahore stress prevention

LAHORE: Awareness walks, symposiums, and educational sessions held in Lahore to mark World Pneumonia Day warned that South Asia continues to experience the highest child mortality rates due to pneumonia, closely followed by Sub-Saharan Africa.

The participants in these activities pledged to reduce pneumonia’s impact in Pakistan.

Addressing the participants, experts said that pneumonia deaths are preventable through vaccination, adequate nutrition, and addressing environmental factors.

In Pakistan, pneumonia remains the leading cause of death among children under five. Medical professionals emphasised that signs of respiratory distress or changes in complexion in newborns often signal pneumonia and demand immediate medical attention.

Health specialists noted that childhood pneumonia can be effectively prevented with vaccinations and managed with cost-effective, basic care, warning that children with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.

The rising incidence of pneumonia among adults has also been attributed to factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Speaking at an awareness walk, Prof. Dr. Al-Fareed Zafar, Principal of the Post Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General Hospital, underscored the importance of vigilant childcare. He highlighted that newborns cannot express their distress, making it essential for parents to monitor their health closely, especially to guard against pneumonia.