The devastating impact of pneumonia on child survival

Every 20 seconds, a child dies from pneumonia – a largely preventable and treatable disease. 

Pneumonia is the world’s leading killer of children under the age of 5, causing nearly 1.3 million child deaths each year ^[1].  Developing countries, and particularly the poorest children within them, are the hardest hit, accounting for 99% of childhood deaths due to pneumonia ^[2]. 

We know how to prevent these deaths. In fact, investments in protecting, preventing, and treating children have led to significant gains in reducing under-five deaths. Although pneumonia kills nearly twice as many children each year than both HIV/AIDS and malaria combined, global funding for pneumonia is significantly lower than funding for HIV/AIDS and malaria control. This silent killer is still responsible for one out of every five child deaths, despite having the tools to prevent and treat it.

The Child Survival Call to Action hosted by the US, Ethiopia and India in June of 2012 called for ending preventable child deaths by 2035. Ending preventable childhood deaths is achievable in our lifetime, but it won't happen overnight, or without increased commitment and focus.

Scaling up proven interventions is imperative. Expanding access to tools like vaccines, micronutrients, and low-cost treatments, can reduce child deaths from not only pneumonia, but diarrhea as well. Leaders must invest in integrated child health efforts to put us on track to end preventable child deaths in developing countries.  

There are solutions - but they need to be put into ACTION!

No matter who you are or where you live, you can join us in persuading leaders to:

1.  Expand access to vaccines to PREVENT pneumonia

Vaccines are a safe and effective tool to prevent the causes of pneumonia.There are four current vaccines that can prevent pneumonia: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal, measles and  pertussis. Expanding access to these vaccines around the world can save children’s lives and avoid unnecessary and costly suffering. In the absence of vaccines, Hib and pneumococcal bacteria are estimated to cause more than 50% of life-threatening pneumonia in children under five.

Through the GAVI Alliance, a public-private partnership, more children are gaining access to these two newer vaccines that prevent the leading causes of pneumonia at an affordable price. If fully funded, GAVI’s roll-out of the pneumococcal vaccine can prevent up to 7 million deaths by 2030 ^[3] and continue to expand access to the Hib vaccine, but donor and developing countries must also ensure these vaccines are equitably distributed to all children. 

2.  Scale up nutrition to PROTECT children from opportunistic diseases, such as pneumonia

Good nutrition plays a vital role in protecting young children from pneumonia, especially for newborns and infants who are still developing immune systems. Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life reduces a child’s chance of contracting pneumonia by 15-23% ^[4]. Complementary feeding with highly nutritious food, clean water, and essential micronutrients also decrease a child’s susceptibility to pneumonia, as well as diarrheal diseases. Both donor and developing countries must invest in country-led plans for scaling up nutrition as a part of integrated child health efforts.

3.  TREAT pneumonia and other related child killers

If children do become sick with severe cases of pneumonia, accessing treatment is essential. Less than a third of children with suspected pneumonia receive treatment, even though antibiotics cost only $1 per dose ^[5]. Frontline health workers, often the first point of care for many rural and hard-to-reach places, are essential in diagnosing pneumonia and delivering life-saving treatment.

By mobilizing resources and increasing support for proven and cost-effective treatments, and the health workers that deliver them, the international community can achieve a significant reduction in child deaths from pneumonia.   

Join us on November 12^th for World Pneumonia Day 2012

Closing the child survival gap between rich and poor countries can be accomplished if we advocate for greater political commitment and sustained resources to expand access to effective child health interventions.  Join ACTION and the Global Coalition Against Childhood Pneumonia this World Pneumonia Day.

No matter who you are or where you live, you can join us in persuading leaders to become champions for global health.

How can I take ACTION?

• Write a letter to your government.
• Meet with your member of Congress or Parliament.
• Raise awareness in your community.
• Express your opinion in your local newspaper
• Produce a video or write a blog
• Participate in community events.
• Only have a few minutes? Sign a pledge to end preventable child deaths with World Vision, or A Promise Renewed!

Learn more and join our network at www.action.org.

Join the conversation on twitter with @ACTION_tweets, using the hashtag #WPD2012.

References