With an estimated 800,000 child deaths annually dueto pneumonia and pneumococcal infections, this condition is a major health problem. In addition to being one of the most critical causes of child mortality, this mortality rate is even greater than that of malaria, HIV, and measles combined.
A vaccine for pneumonia can save lives and prevent seriousinfections. To learn why vaccines are needed, read on. Pneumonia is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the lungs, brain, and lood that kills thousands of children under five every year. It is caused by the bite of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which leads to breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in the lungs. As the infection progresses, it invades the blood, brain, and lungs, causing permanent damage and eventual death.
Why are children more susceptible to the disease than otherpeople? Underprivileged children are more susceptible to a variety of infections since they are susceptible to malnutrition, low birth weight, indoor air pollution, overcrowding, and lack of measles vaccination, in addition to the other reasons. In response to the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, young children should be vaccinated for pneumonia.
The government of India, in cooperation with UNICEF, WHO,the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Gavi Vaccine Bank, reduces the pneumococcalvaccine price in India to zero for children.To reduce the severity and death of preventable diseases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducts the Universal Immunisation Programme. Since the need for a pneumonia vaccine is now urgent, the UIP provides it without charge to children.
