A General Paediatrician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Olatayo Olayemi, has emphasised the importance of complete immunisation coverage to curtail pneumonia.
Olayemi gave the advice on Wednesday in an interview in Ibadan, in commemoration of the 2024 World Pneumonia Day.
World Pneumonia Day is celebrated on Nov. 12 annually, with the 2024 theme “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in its Track.”
Olayemi said the disease could be curtailed through increased awareness, health education, strengthening of Primary Health Centres and increased funding for vaccines.
He described pneumonia as an infection of the air sacs in the lungs caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
He added that an individual suffering from pneumonia could have a fever, cough, and fast breathing or difficulty in breathing.
Others are low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), blueness of the lips (cyanosis), and convulsion.
Olayemi said pneumonia could be prevented, promptly managed and complications avoided if individuals follow the preventive measures and general good hygiene.
“Pneumonia can be managed with the use of antibiotics and supportive care like oxygen and adequate hydration.
“It can be prevented through exclusive breastfeeding of newborns for the first six months of life, ensuring complete immunisation and avoiding overcrowding in the home.
“Also, adequate hand hygiene by regular hand washing, avoiding the use of firewood and coal pot to cook, exposure to tobacco, are all preventive measures,” he said.
Olayemi said that the celebration of the day was to raise awareness about the scourge as a leading cause of death among children under five years.
The general physician said that the theme emphasised the importance of everyone and every child breathing well with no limitations or difficulty.
NAN
