SAANS campaign launched to address contraction of pneumonia in babies

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 15, 2022

Concerned over the large numbers of Pneumonia cases being contracted by the children below 5 years of age, the Central Government has launched SAANS (The Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully) campaign in the entire country.

SAANS is a campaign launched to ensure early detection and create awareness of Pneumonia targeting the age group of 0 – 5 years.

The campaign was launched for West Jaintia Hills the District at a Panaliar Dorbar Shnong Community Hall, Jowai on Monday and it was organised by the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, Jowai

Jowai MLA Waildmiki Shylla launched the programme and said it is sad to know that most of the local people are not aware of the various medical benefits of the state government and even if they knew they were still reluctant to avail the same.

Deputy Commissioner, BS Sohliya called for cooperation from the head of the localities including Rangbah Shnongs, NGOs, Seng kynthei, youths of various localities and villages to work hand in hand with the Health workers during this campaign in order to reduce the rate of child mortality in the District.

Dr. E. War, Medical Superintendent, MCH Hospital, Panaliar, Jowai talk about the danger signs of Common childhood illness that every mother should be aware of.

He said if parents noticed any signs such as if a child is not able to eat or breastfeed, vomiting every time, sudden weight loss, convulsion, lethargic, fever , they should take immediate action and approach the nearest health centre.

Dr. Peter Daniel Khariong, Paediatric Surgeon, Woodland WK Hospital, spoke about the Surgical Childhood Conditions, showing the various cases taken in treating the children suffering from various diseases and advising the parents to take timely medication if such arises.

Dr (Mrs) H. L. Suting, DEIC Manager, WJH, Jowai brief on the Services provided by District Early Intervention Center (DEIC), mentioning RBSK (Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram) as a screening program for children since birth until 18 years of age stressing on the 4 ‘D’s – defect at Birth, deficiencies, childhood disease, developmental delays.

Dr. Helen J. Uriah, District MCH Officer, West Jaintia Hills, Jowai express her concern over the risk of Pneumonia being contracted by the children below 5 years of age and said that pneumonia is one of the challenge face by health fraternity to combat the Child Mortality rate. She elaborated about the signs and symptoms of pneumonia and advised the parents if they identify any such signs like shortness of breath, coughing, fever or any in a child should seek immediate medical help.

Dr. Helen informed that the campaign has started from 12th November, 2022 and will continue till 28th February, 2023

Dr. S. Warbah, Urban Health Consultant, NHM, WJH, Jowai welcomed the gathering while Additional DMHO, Dr. A Challam chaired the programme and a vote of thanks was proposed by Panaliar Waheh Shnong  Riquoma Laloo.