The Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) Campaign was launched today in East Jaintia Hills District at a programme organized by the office of the District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District at Sutnga CHC, Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr D.Shylla in the presence of District Immunization Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr (Mrs) N. P. Suchiang, Medical &Health Officer in-charge Sutnga CHC, Dr (Mrs) R. Toi, CHO, Sutnga CHC, Smt. R. Pala, other health officials, ASHAs and people of the area.
In his address during the launch programme, District Medical &Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr D. Shylla said that pneumonia is not a new disease with the disease having been long in existence and informed the gathering that pneumonia is a treatable disease while also emphasizing on the importance of early detection and community involvement in order to eradicate the disease successfully. Dr D. Shylla further stressed on the initiatives undertaken with the aim of accelerating action against childhood pneumonia by generating awareness among people on prevention and treatment aspect of childhood pneumonia in order to reduce Child Mortality Rate.
Meanwhile, District Immunization Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr (Mrs) N. P. Suchiang in her speech outlined the gathering on the types of pneumonia, medication period in regards to pneumonia disease even as she stressed on the importance of immunization and early identification. She also said that in order to eradicate pneumonia there is a need to further educate people on the effects of pneumonia while also stressing on the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in her address. Additionally, she stated that pneumonia generally affects children under the age of 5 years even as she called upon the ASHAs to encourage people to opt for institutional delivery to ensure quality treatment to infants.
During the programme, Smt. R. Pala, CHO, Sutnga CHC and ASHAs jointly demonstrated the 7 steps of handwashing technique. Others who spoke during the programme were Medical &Health Officer, in-charge Sutnga CHC, Dr (Mrs) R. Toi, DPM, NHM, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri A. Dhar and BPM, NHM, Saipung C&RD Block, East Jaintia Hills District, Smt. Theimon Phawa. (DPRO, Khliehriat)