Coimbatore: The local chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) reiterated its appeal to both the Centre and state Governments to provide free Pneumococcal vaccine to children to prevent the increasing death rates due to Pneumonia.
Our country witnesses nearly 45 million Pneumonia cases among children below five years, of which 0.37 million die due to pneumonia annually and hence both the Governments should come forward and provide necessary support by providing free vaccine to children, Dr Ahila Ayyavoo, President, IAP, Coimbatore, told reporters here.
Asked whether there was lack of will from the part of the Governments to concentrate on such a serious disease,Ahila said the resources were widely distributed among other various diseases and little more effort was needed to prevent the huge deaths due to this respiratory disease.
Dr Manickraj, a senior Consultant Pediatrician said the children needed a minimum four doses of vaccine which cost Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000 per child, depending on the brand and the Government's help was needed for the poorer section of the population.
He said the measures like sanitation and cleanliness drive will take another one decade and till then the Government can freely distribute the vaccine.
As part of its efforts to create awarenes, the IPA would be organising a campaign "fight Pneumonia and Save A Child", on November 12 on the occasion of World Pneumonia Day, he said.
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