Meghalaya launches awareness campaign to end pneumonia

SHILLONG: The health department of Meghalaya launched the Social Awareness Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) initiative on Thursday to eradicate pneumonia from the state.

The deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, R M Kurbah, launched the SAANS initiative at the community hall in Rangbihbih, East Khasi Hills, marking a crucial effort in combating this health challenge.

Highlighting the initiative’s focus on awareness, Kurbah urged the villagers to come forward to link their Aadhaar with the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme. She also said one of the strategies to tackle child mortality from pneumonia is the introduction of the pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine into the state’s immunization schedule. “This vaccine aims to significantly reduce pneumonia cases among children,” the deputy commissioner added.

'Pneumonia outbreak not alarming'

Principal of health department assures no need to panic about pneumonia outbreak in China; Emphasizes vigilance and prevention efforts of medical staff; Meeting held to review situation attended by top health officials

How dangerous is the new pneumonia outbreak in China?

China is experiencing an outbreak of unknown pneumonia, causing concern globally. The outbreak, which started in mid-October, has led to a significant number of cases among children. Hospitals in different parts of the country have reported a rise in cases, with symptoms consistent with pneumonia. Chinese authorities attribute the increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised taking precautionary measures in the affected areas.

China warns of coming respiratory surge after pneumonia hit kids

China warns of a surge in respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in children. Mycoplasma-caused pneumonia cases are decreasing, but other respiratory pathogens are becoming more frequent. Top pediatric medical centers in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai are seeing a decline in mycoplasma positivity rates. However, the National Health Commission warns of a major outbreak of respiratory pathogens in the coming months. The surge in pneumonia among children has overwhelmed hospitals and prompted the World Health Organization to inquire with Beijing. The spread of known germs is the likely cause, and experts are concerned about the high local resistance to antibiotics used to treat mycoplasma infections.