The District Health Society Longleng observed World Pneumonia Day on Monday under the theme “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in its Tracks”. The district also launched SAANs (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) on the occasion, DIPR said in a report.
The program was held at the CMO Conference Hall in Longleng with Dr Samuel Akho Konyak P, NCS, EAC Longleng, as the Special Guest. Dr Konyak, in his address, underscored the importance of World Pneumonia Day and the launch of SAANs. He urged all participants to actively support creating awareness about pneumonia within the community, leveraging the influential role of churches.
He further emphasized the active role churches play in spreading awareness and controlling indoor air pollution, a significant contributor to pneumonia. He encouraged everyone to recommit themselves and contribute efforts for better results.
Dr S Imnameren Phom, District Programme Officer (RCH/UIP) Longleng, delivered a concise presentation on World Pneumonia Day and the launch of SAANs. He emphasized that World Pneumonia Day, a global event observed on the 12th of November each year, aims to raise awareness and educate people on combating pneumonia and the significance of clean air globally.
Dr Phom stressed the need for global action to combat pneumonia and other respiratory infections, highlighting the day’s focus on reducing childhood pneumonia mortality in India to less than three per thousand live births by 2025.
The program, chaired by Henmei, District Community Mobiliser, commenced with an invocation prayer led by Tanlei, Pastor Muli Baptist Church. Viroli Sangtam, District Programme Manager, Nagaland Health Mission, delivered the welcome and keynote address, followed by discussions and closing remarks by Lipom. The event saw the participation of pastors from churches in Longleng District, ASHAs, CMO staff, NHM staff, and IDSP staff.
The launching program Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully was observed simultaneously across all PHCs, CHCs, HWCs, and SCs under Longleng District.