ISLAMABAD: While the World Pneumonia Day is being observed today (Tuesday), the disease claims the lives of over 800,000 children every year.

The situation in Pakistan is worsening due to the deteriorating air quality caused by smog.

This was stated by Dr Irfan Habib, Medical Director at ChildLife Foundation. He said the effects of climate change had made conditions like pneumonia harder to control, especially in urban areas with extreme pollution levels.

He said working under public-private partnership with the government was addressing this health crisis, treating two million children annually through its 13 pediatric emergency rooms (ERs) and over 300 telemedicine satellite centres.

He said impact of climate change and environmental crisis such as the current smog emergency on child health was severe in Pakistan.

“Climate change is exacerbating air pollution and causing severe respiratory issues, making children even more vulnerable to diseases like pneumonia, a leading cause of preventable child deaths,” he said.

In response to the dual challenge of pneumonia and climate change-driven health threats, Dr Habib said collaborative efforts to protect the environment and reduce pollution were essential to safeguarding the well-being of children and preventing diseases like pneumonia from becoming more widespread.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.