Reducing pneumonia deaths among children

The abject state of health care, particularly primary health care, in the country has once again been brought to the fore with the revelation that of the 800,000 under-five children who die of pneumonia-related ailments globally every year, 177,000 of the deaths occurred in Nigeria. The im­plication of this is that Nigeria has about 20.13 per cent of the global pneumonia mortality figure. Dr Rui Vaz, the Country Representa­tive of the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO), while reeling out these dismal statistics, observed that the most affected amongst this vul­nerable group are children under two years, especially in developing countries.

The fact that our children still suc­cumb in such large numbers to this primary, non-communicable dis­ease should be cause for serious concern. But, the figures as they relate to Nigeria would hardly sur­prise anyone who has followed the nation’s trajectory in policy formula­tion and sustainable development. One thing that has been sorely lack­ing is continuity in the implementa­tion of government policies, includ­ing those in the health sector. While the frequent change of guards at the leadership of the health sector has been named as one of the reasons for this high pneumonia mortality rate, the lack of clear and visionary planning cannot be wished away.
Ordinarily, health care should be a top priority of every government, especially the primary health care level. Nigeria achieved this during the time the late Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti served as Health Minister. But, it was not sustained.
There are constant policy flip-flops, backed by unprecedented corruption in the public service, which stymies service delivery. The rigorous policy planning and faith­ful implementation of programmes in an integrated manner are lacking.
Now, for Nigeria to improve her present dismal record in pneumo­nia diseases amongst children and general primary health care, the re­lated issues of education, housing, potable water, proper feeding and availability of medicines must be addressed in a holistic and sustain­able manner.
Good housing, complete with proper ventilation, will reduce the risk factors for pneumonia. Time was when “Housing for All” was a priority of government. Even then, it was never faithfully implemented. Neither has it ever really been af­fordable for the masses.
There is also the challenge of mal­nutrition. No matter how we try to hide it, the majority of our citizens are malnourished, living on less than one dollar a day. Some children do not get food and proper nutrition? So, they easily succumb to ailments such as pneumonia and do not re­ceive proper medical treatment for the condition.
Health centres and adequate medicines are still a luxury in many of our states. The health care cen­tres are few and far between, poor­ly equipped and ill-manned. Many children do not receive the neces­sary immunisations. The incessant strikes in the health sector also compound the problem. On the whole, what we have is a dismal pic­ture that hardly surprises anyone.
What we must not do is accept the present depressing state of health care. Government can, at least, im­prove on public information dis­semination on pneumonia and, in­deed, other preventable diseases of children. Preventive measures, such as national vaccination campaigns, should be stepped up. The challenge is higher in the rural communities where the presence of government is hardly felt.
Perhaps, this is another reason to rethink our federation and give im­petus to the devolution of powers. The over-centralisation of power in Abuja has hardly helped Nigeri­ans in disparate parts of the coun­try. Government, at the local level, should take full and proper respon­sibility for primary health care, with­out interference from states or the federal government.
Then, we must address all the re­lated matters. There is need for good governance and provision of basic amenities. We cannot run away from this. Poor primary health care is directly related to our high infant mortality rates. When we drastically improve this, chances are that our high infant mortality rates will reduce.

Culled From The Sun