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Clear the Air: Fight Pneumonia – Pneumonia Awareness Campaign in Kaduna

Clear the Air: Fight Pneumonia – Pneumonia Awareness Campaign in Kaduna

Pneumonia is one of Nigeria’s major health challenges, impacting people of all ages. In Northwest Kaduna, the illness poses a particular threat to young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

According to the Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) in 2013, pneumonia accounted for 16% of under-five deaths in Kaduna, making it the second-highest cause of death for young children in this region.

Recent assessments continue to underline the challenge. In 2021, data showed that 4 out of 5 health facilities in Kaduna had HMIS (Health Management Information System) registers specifically for recording childhood pneumonia cases, indicating its high prevalence.

Understanding Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These pathogens inflame the lungs’ air sacs, filling them with fluid or pus, and making it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, with vulnerable groups at higher risk for complications.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Symptoms can resemble a severe cold or flu, but pneumonia is usually more intense and may include:

Symptoms of Pneumonia
  1. High fever and chills
  2. Persistent cough producing mucus or phlegm
  3. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  4. Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
  5. Fatigue and body weakness

In children, signs like fast breathing, bluish lips or nails, and noticeable weakness can indicate pneumonia. Seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment improves recovery chances.

Why Are Kaduna Residents More Vulnerable?

Certain factors specific to Northwest Kaduna make pneumonia more likely:

  1. Air Pollution: Nigeria ranks among the highest for child pneumonia deaths related to air pollution. According to UNICEF, household air pollution from open-fire cooking is a primary cause. In 2019, air pollution contributed to 30% (749,200) of all pneumonia deaths worldwide, with 56% stemming from household pollution and 44% from outdoor sources.
  2. Overcrowded Living Spaces: In densely populated areas, respiratory infections like pneumonia can spread rapidly.
  3. Limited Access to Healthcare and Vaccinations: In rural areas, limited access to pneumonia vaccines and healthcare services can lead to more severe cases, especially in underserved communities.

Preventing Pneumonia

There are proactive steps to reduce pneumonia risk in Kaduna and protect the community:

  1. Get vaccinated: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is crucial for preventing bacterial pneumonia, especially for young children and older adults. Unfortunately, more than 43% of one-year-olds in Nigeria are not vaccinated with the PCV, increasing their risk.
  2. Practice Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs that can cause pneumonia.
  3. Maintain Good Nutrition: A balanced diet strengthens the immune system, making it easier to fight infections.
  4. Reduce Indoor Smoke Exposure: Use clean-cooking stoves or improve ventilation to reduce smoke in living spaces. Avoid smoking indoors to improve air quality.

Here is what we did

To address these challenges, we have undertaken the following initiatives to improve healthcare access and raise community awareness:

  1. Hospital Visits: We visited healthcare facilities in Northwest Kaduna to assess their capacity to manage pneumonia and oxygen-related cases. This evaluation included reviewing the availability of oxygen therapy and diagnostic equipment, critical for treating severe pneumonia cases.
  2. Health Walk and Community Education: We organized a health walk through Angwan Rimi and its main market, engaging community members and raising awareness about pneumonia prevention, early detection, and the importance of vaccination. The walk facilitated one-on-one conversations and provided informational materials to market traders and residents.
  3. Health Talk for Mothers: Conducted a targeted health talk for mothers in the community, emphasizing recognizing early symptoms of pneumonia in children, importance of good nutrition in preventing infections and simple hygiene practices to reduce the spread of germs.

Get help

If you or someone you know shows symptoms of pneumonia, we are here to help. We are dedicated to providing primary healthcare services to low-income earners in rural and underserved communities. Our mission is to bridge healthcare gaps, ensuring that essential medical care reaches those who need it most.

Pneumonia is a serious illness, particularly for children, causing 17% of under-five deaths in Nigeria. The majority of these deaths are preventable with vaccination and affordable treatments.

However, one in four Nigerian children showing pneumonia symptoms does not get medical attention. With greater awareness, proper vaccination, and support for community health programs, pneumonia’s impact on vulnerable communities in Kaduna can be reduced.

Further Reading

https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/press-releases/nigeria-has-highest-number-air-pollution-related-child-pneumonia-deaths-world#:~:text=Deaths%20of%20Nigerian%20children%20under,air%20pollution%2Drelated%20pneumonia%20deathshttps://drpcngr.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ASSESSMENT-REPORT-OF-CHILDHOOD-PNEUMONIA-AND-DIARRHEA-TREATMENT-GUIDELINES-1.pdf

Aiyegbusi Samuel