UNICEF: One Child Dies from Pneumonia Every 43 Seconds

A UNICEF logo is pictured outside the organization's offices in Geneva, Switzerland. (Reuters)
A UNICEF logo is pictured outside the organization's offices in Geneva, Switzerland. (Reuters)
TT

UNICEF: One Child Dies from Pneumonia Every 43 Seconds

A UNICEF logo is pictured outside the organization's offices in Geneva, Switzerland. (Reuters)
A UNICEF logo is pictured outside the organization's offices in Geneva, Switzerland. (Reuters)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) stated that one child dies from pneumonia every 43 seconds around the world, noting that these deaths are totally preventable.

Marking the World Pneumonia Day on November 12, UNICEF said that it is actually the biggest infectious killer of children worldwide; every year, it claims the lives of more than 725,000 children under the age of 5, including around 190,000 newborns, who are particularly vulnerable to infection.

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs. It doesn’t have one single cause – it can develop from either bacteria, viruses or fungi in the air. The most common symptoms are coughing, trouble breathing and fever.

Pneumonia is contagious and can be spread through airborne particles (a cough or sneeze). It can also be spread through other fluids, like blood during childbirth, or from contaminated surfaces, reported UNICEF.

Air pollution can significantly increase the risk of respiratory infection, including pneumonia. Almost half of all pneumonia deaths are attributable to air pollution.

Outdoor air pollution is a risk to children, especially with growing rates of urbanization in high-burden pneumonia countries. But indoor air pollution – generated by unclean fuels for cooking and heating – also poses a global threat.

The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia. In developing countries, a large number of pneumonia cases is caused by bacteria and can be treated with low cost antibiotics. Yet many children with pneumonia do not receive the antibiotics they need because they lack access to quality health care, according to UNICEF.

Pneumonia can be prevented by increasing protective measures, such as adequate nutrition, and by reducing risk factors like air pollution which makes the lungs more vulnerable to infection and using good hygiene practices.

The agency noted that pneumonia caused by bacteria is easily preventable with vaccines. However, 40 percent of children around the world are not fully protected with the primary vaccine to prevent pneumonia – the Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine.

Abdul Hamid advised against kissing children, especially newborns, and urged parents to consult a physician immediately after noticing symptoms like cough, fever and breathing difficulty in their children to provide them with the right treatment before the symptoms aggravate.



Saudi Falcons Club Expands Hunting Weapons, Ammunition Section at 2024 Exhibition

The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
TT

Saudi Falcons Club Expands Hunting Weapons, Ammunition Section at 2024 Exhibition

The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA

The Saudi Falcons Club has expanded the section dedicated to hunting weapons and ammunition at this year's International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition.
Saudi companies at the event are showcasing weapons from 55 international brands, including custom-built firearms and related accessories, according to SPA.
In partnership with a specialized shipping company, the exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition.
The exhibition, held from October 3 to 12 on an area of more than 160,000 square meters, features daily workshops on falcon care and training.
Hundreds of exhibitors are also displaying a variety of products, including falcon supplies, camping equipment, and hunting tools.