The Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in collaboration with the Paediatrics Association of Nigeria (PAN) Rivers State chapter commemorated the World Pneumonia Day 2024 with the Theme: Every Breathe Counts.
Pneumonia, an inflammatory respiratory disorder caused due to bacterial, viruses or fugal infection which impair the air sacs of the lungs called Alveoli occurs as a result of the accumulation of fluids or pus in the air sacs making breathing difficult. It is a contagious disease and could be fatal for persons with weaker immunity especially in children and elderly persons.
As part of activities to mark the day and create awareness audience was granted to the press, on this occasion the coordinator of PAN, Dr Joyce Okagwa said the day is celebrated 12th of NOVEMBER each year to sensitise and direct the needed intervention to prevent and ensure adequate clinical care
Dr. Okagwa emphasized on the statistical report that states that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children, especially among those under 5, and that the disease kills a child every 39 seconds all around the world, a call for necessary intervention. She encouraged the public, especially mothers, to practice exclusive breastfeeding and healthy living, as well as avoid overcrowded places in order to prevent the disease.
A Senior Registrar Pneumonology unit of Internal Medicine in the hospital, Dr Progress Obidima Eke, also said the day is set aside to create awareness about the impact of pneumonia on society. She reiterated that pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and that it is not common cold and that myth should be done away with by the society. She went on to highlight the common symptoms of pneumonia, which includes cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, among others.
Finally, Dr P.O. Eke admonished the general public to observe basic hygiene practice which is, to always wash their hands and get vaccinated to prevent this disease.
The theme of this year highlights the importance of each breath we take as human beings with emphasis on the urgent need to combat pneumonia through timely detection, effective treatment and preventive measures.
Philomena Idoko/KMMI/OOA
