(a) whether as per United Nations International Children`s Education Fund (UNICEF) State of World`s Children
Report 2008, 5753 children below five years die every year in India due to Pneumonia and Diarrhoea;
(b) if so, the details/facts thereof; and
(c) the measures taken to check this high mortality rate in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) & (b). No. No statement has been made in the report citing this figure. However, as per WHO estimates, pneumonia contributes to 11 percent and diarrhoea contributes to another 11 percent of all under five deaths in India.
(c) The following measures have been taken to reduce morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia and diarrhoea in children under five years of age in India:
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
Use of ORS and Zinc: Use of low osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution and Zinc is being promoted in children with diarrhoea in order to reduce mortality and morbidity.
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 and Diarrhoea. This programme also has focus on improving community practices related to prevention and control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea.
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 and diarrhoea in children at facility level.
Micronutrient Supplementation Programme: Vitamin A supplementation offers benefit in reducing child mortality due to Pneumonia.