By Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse
No fewer than 120, 000 children in Nigeria die annually of Pneumonia, Dr. Adamu Isah, Chief of Party, inspiring project under the save the children initiative has said.
Dr. Isah made this known on Monday during the inauguration ceremony of ‘every breath count coalition committee at the Jigawa state ministry of health, Dutse.
He said two third of children die in the first years of their lives, saying it requires the attention of the world on its seriousness as was given to malaria, tuberculosis and HIV diseases.
He said one of the ways of creating awareness is bringing together a coalition of the willing to effect a desired change through fund raising and public sensitisation.
The committee which was inaugurated by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Salisu Mu’azu said Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under the ages of five in the state.
Acccording to Salisu, despite the awareness, it was observed that there is low knowledge and skills among front-line health workers to effectively treat the condition.
He said, this was a part of the reason that inspiring project under the save the children in collaboration with the state ministry of health and other stakeholders will implement intervention strategy for health care workers, communities and care givers in Pneumonia.
The committee which consists of the permanent secretary ministry of health, health directors, civil societies, private sector and other professional bodies was given a seven term reference with which to work with.
