On World Pneumonia Day, which occurs every year on November 12, the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) released the 10th Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report. This annual report shares progress in combating pneumonia and diarrhoea in countries with the most related deaths.
Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Prevalence Worldwide
The report discovered that in 2017, nearly one out of every four deaths in children under five years of age was caused by pneumonia and diarrhoea worldwide. This identification of prevalence is crucial for planning effective health measures.
Report Parameters and Key Interventions
The report examines how effectively countries are implementing 10 key interventions, including breastfeeding, vaccination, access to care, use of antibiotics, ORS, and zinc supplementation. These interventions are proven to prevent deaths from these illnesses and contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal-3: reducing under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030.
Child Mortality Rates in India
According to data provided by UNICEF, in 2018, India’s Under 5 Mortality Rate was 39 deaths per 1000 live births. The Infant Mortality Rate (under one year of age) was 32 deaths per 1000 live births. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (during the first 28 days of life) was 24 deaths per 1000 live births.
Table: Key Child Mortality Rates in India (2018)
| Mortality Rate | # of Deaths per 1000 Live Births |
|---|---|
| Under 5 Mortality Rate | 39 |
| Infant Mortality Rate (under one year) | 32 |
| Neonatal Mortality Rate (first 28 days of life) | 24 |
India’s Progress in Fighting Pneumonia and Diarrhoea
The rollout of vaccines for rotavirus diarrhoea in 2016 and pneumococcal conjugate for pneumonia treatment in 2017 has led to a notable improvement in India’s handling of both conditions. With an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 55%, India ranks among the highest of the surveyed 23 countries. However, as is the case in many other nations, the number of children receiving critical treatments remains below target.
Treatment Adoption in India
In India, only half of children with diarrhoea receive Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and only 20% receive zinc supplementation, both of which can prevent and treat pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Risk Factors for Child Pneumonia Death in India
Reports from Save the Children and UNICEF noted that child wasting, outdoor and indoor air pollution were the biggest risk factors for child pneumonia deaths in India in 2017. Child wasting was responsible for 53% of deaths, outdoor air pollution 27%, and indoor air pollution from solid fuels caused 22%.
Accelerating Global Health Progress
The report concludes that to close current health gaps and speed up progress, increased global investment is needed, particularly in supporting countries to develop smart and sustainable health strategies.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024