(a) whether pneumonia is a major cause of infant mortality in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate a new policy on pneumonia to prevent/reduce infant mortality;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the measures taken by the Government for the inclusion of pneumonia vaccine under the National Immunisation
Programme (NIP) and ensuring its availability in sufficient quantity?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) & ( b): Yes. As per WHO estimates pneumonia contributes to 11 percent of all under five deaths in India.
(c) & (d): Under Reproductive and Child Health programme of National Rural Health Mission, following strategies are
being implemented to reduce morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia in children :
# Universal Immunization Programme: The following vaccines are used
under Universal Immunization Programme for preventing pneumonia in children:
(i) DPT vaccine
(ii) Measles vaccine
(iii) Pentavalent vaccine
# Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI):
Under this programme, capacity building of health care providers is carried out for management of common illnesses
including pneumonia. This programme also has focus on improving community practices related to prevention and control of pneumonia.
Under NRHM, Facility Based Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (F-IMNCI) package has been included which
empowers health personnel to manage childhood illnesses including pneumonia in children at facility level.
# Micronutrient Supplementation Programme: Vitamin A supplementation offers benefit in reducing child mortality
due to pneumonia.
(e): Pentavalent vaccine including Hib has been introduced in the States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with assured supply of vaccine.