• Source:Jagran News Network

The UP health department has intensified efforts to protect children from pneumonia under the SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully) campaign. Despite World Pneumonia Day passing on November 12, rising winter pollution has prompted authorities to act swiftly. The campaign will continue till February 28, 2026.

According to CMO Dr Akhilesh Mohan, district-wise responsibility has been given to more than 100 doctors to implement the campaign on the ground. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued detailed guidelines, with the campaign’s tagline being “No Pneumonia, a Healthy Childhood.”

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The initiative aims to reduce the mortality rate in children under five by ensuring prevention, early identification, and timely treatment of pneumonia at the community level. Reports indicate that 17.5 per cent of deaths among children under five occur due to pneumonia, and Ghaziabad has recorded over 10 child deaths from April to November 22.

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can trigger pneumonia in children. Major risk factors include low birth weight, malnutrition, lack of breastfeeding up to eight months, indoor pollution, and missed measles or PCV vaccinations. Congenital issues such as cleft palate, heart defects, and asthma also increase vulnerability.

The SAANS programme follows the Protect, Prevent, Treat (PPT) strategy:

* Protect: Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, proper complementary feeding, and Vitamin A supplementation.

* Prevent: Vaccination, clean drinking water, hand hygiene, and reduction of household pollution.

* Treat: Timely treatment at health units and the community level for suspected pneumonia cases.

Key National Guidelines

* Community awareness on protection, prevention, and treatment of pneumonia.

* Early identification and management of pneumonia in children under five.

* Strengthening severe case management in medical units.

* Ensuring availability of IEC material and updated treatment protocols in OPD/IPD wards.

* Capacity-building and training for health workers.

ASHA workers and other frontline staff will focus on early detection of respiratory infections during home visits. Health facilities are being strengthened to manage severe cases.

Under the national immunisation programme, all eligible children must receive three doses of the PCV vaccine, two doses at 6 and 14 weeks, and a booster at nine months.

With air pollution being a major global risk factor for pneumonia, the campaign will also promote awareness about its effects on children. SAANS will be linked with the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health to encourage measures that reduce exposure to pollution.

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Campaign Strategy

* ASHA workers to identify pneumonia in children aged 2–59 months and ensure proper treatment and referral.

* Management of cough, breathing difficulties, and PSBI during home visits.

* Hospitals to set up triage areas with arrangements for oxygen therapy and monitoring using pulse oximeters.

* If oximeters are unavailable, oxygen will be given until signs of hypoxia are reduced.

* Inspection of paediatric oxygen equipment and mock drills to be completed within 15 days.

* Establishment of mini skill labs and skill-based training for workers.

* Door-to-door awareness drives in slum areas and collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA).


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