PHM-Exch> A letter to DG, WHO - re: pneumococcal vaccine - (3)

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Dr J.P. Dadhich jpdadhich at gmail.com

 I think it is a matter of not only prioritizing the available limited
resources but to look into the possible risk factors. A comprehensive
approach only will lead to success. In a theme issue of WHO bulletin,
definite risk factors

For childhood pneumonia has been reported as Malnutrition (weight-for-age *z
*-score < –2),Low birth weight (£ 2500 g),Non-exclusive breastfeeding
(during the first 4 months of life),Lack of measles immunization (within the
first 12 months of life),Indoor air pollution and Crowding. (*
www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/5/07-048769.pdf )**.WHO Global Action Plan
for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia (
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9789241596336/en/ )
suggests that i*n the context of child survival strategies, countries should
develop plans for controlling pneumonia. The key strategies for pneumonia
control are:

— case management with IMCI at all levels

— vaccination

— improvement of nutrition/low birth weight

— control of indoor air pollution

— prevention and management of HIV infection.

There is a need to attack the menace of childhood pneumonia in a holistic
manner. A selective approach to push only vaccines as ‘The’ solution is not
prudent.

 JP Dadhich, National Coordinator, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://phm.phmovement.org/pipermail/phm-exchange-phmovement.org/attachments/20090804/952dae20/attachment-0001.html>