Port Blair, Nov. 14: ‘World Pneumonia Day’ and SAANS campaign was observed all over the Islands on Nov.12, 2022 with the aim to accelerate action against Childhood Pneumonia by generating awareness on protection, prevention and treatment aspects, to enhance early identification and care seeking behaviour (management) among parents and caregivers and also to promote Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and awareness generation on indoor and outdoor pollution.
The main function was held at Community Hall, Beodnabad.Shri R. Parmashivam, Pradhan, Beodnabad was the chief guest on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized on importance of prevention and management of Pneumonia at the earliest. He also appreciated the work of ANM, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.
On this occasion, an orientation on SAANS Campaign for health providers and caregivers at Community Level was given by Dr. S. Sunil Kumar, Chief Medical Officer (NFSG). He said that Childhood Pneumonia continues to be one of the main causes of child deaths in the country, contributing to 14% of Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR). In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, early identification and management of Pneumonia in children has assumed much greater significance for reducing child mortality and morbidity.
Dr.Suja Antony, Deputy Director (Family Welfare) said that SAANS Campaign will ensure health system strengthening and community awareness towards childhood pneumonia. The SAANS campaign will carry the tagline ‘Pneumonia nahi, tohbachpansahi’ which clearly establishes the positive impact of a Pneumonia Free Childhood.
Shri R. Elavarasan, PRI Member, Smti. Pachamma, PanchayatSamiti Member and Smti.PratimaRai, MukhiyaSevika, ICDS Urban Project, Medical Officers, Health Educators, PHN, CHOs, ANMs, Male Health Workers, ASHAs, AWWs were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, Dr.Shweta, Medical Officer (Homeo), Programme in-charge SAANS welcomed the gathering and Dr.SnehgdhaBiswas, Medical Officer, PHC Garacharama proposed the vote of thanks.
