It's high time for the government to realise that the health of its citizens is a top priority
KECH, TURBAT: Every year World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 across the world, including Pakistan, to raise awareness of pneumonia as a public health issue and help prevent millions of avoidable deaths that occur due to pneumonia each year.
According to the World Health Organisation’s estimates, pneumonia accounts for 16% of the total child deaths making it the leading killer of children less than five years of age globally.
Globally, pneumonia accounts for more than 920,000 deaths among children under five years and Pakistan is among five countries which account for 99% of childhood pneumonia cases. Pakistan is a hub of infectious diseases, primarily due to a lack of long-term commitment and preventative measures on the part of the government.
It is high time for the government to realise that the health of its citizens is a top priority. It can and should pave the way to prosperity and improve quality of life.
Bakhtiyar Phullan
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2018.
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