Pneumonia cases on the rise among children – report

The number of cases of children suffering from pneumonia hit 18,000, a report by the Clinton Health Access Initiative has revealed.

According to the study that was focused on childhood diseases, those under five are the most affected.

Tharaka Nithi County Health minister Nthuraku Gichuyia M’riara said many children suffer from such respiratory diseases because of a weak immune system.

He was speaking during a consultative meeting with researchers from the Clinton-funded non profit.

Mr. M’riara said the county government has rolled out immunisation programs that will boost the fight against pneumonia.

He urged parents to take their children for regular checkups so that signs of the diseases are detected early and treated immediately.

The World Health Organisation says 16 per cent of all child deaths worldwide in 2015 were caused by pneumonia.

“When someone gets pneumonia, their alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake,” the WHO website says.

It can be prevented by ensuring children have a good nutrition and are not exposed to risky environmental factors such as cigarette or factory smoke, the fact sheet adds.