UNIMEDTH/SH  Akure Marks World Pneumonia Day, Emphasizes Prevention and Awareness
Today, UNIMEDTH Akure joins the global community in observing World Pneumonia Day, celebrated annually on November 12. This year's theme, "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Tracks," stresses the need for early detection, effective treatment, and preventive measures against pneumonia.
Pediatrician consultant Dr. Bello Olaseinde, highlighted the severity of pneumonia, explaining it as a lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. He noted that pneumonia affects approximately 800,000 children worldwide every year, with a child dying from the disease every 39 seconds. Dr. Olaseinde emphasized that under-five children are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Olaseinde outlined several risk factors, including low birth weight, prematurity, lack of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, indoor pollution, parental smoking, overcrowding, malnutrition, and conditions like HIV and measles. He urged mothers to ensure children receive immunizations and encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal appointments, as conditions such as malaria in pregnancy can lead to premature birth, heightening pneumonia risk in newborns.
The symptoms of pneumonia, he explained, include coughing, fever, and difficulty or rapid breathing. If untreated, pneumonia may result in severe complications such as asthma, heart failure, meningitis, hypoglycemia, or convulsions.
Dr. Olaseinde further emphasized low-cost preventative measures, including maintaining good hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, avoiding overcrowding and smoking, and ensuring children are protected against known health risks.
He urged the public to recognize the urgency of pneumonia prevention, stating that with the right measures, lives can be saved.
Dr. Bello Olaseinde also strongly advised against self-medication, urging the public to seek proper medical care at hospitals. He emphasized that timely medical intervention is critical to managing pneumonia effectively and preventing complications.