NAIROBI, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya losses 31,000 children annually from pneumonia, a government official said on Monday.
Cabinet Secretary of Health Ministry Cleopa Mailu blamed low uptake of health promotion and prevention interventions for the deaths.
"It s unfortunate that access to quality newborn, child adolescent health care services and treatment that are treatable conditions remains a challenge in our health care system," Mailu said on Monday during the launch of Amoxicillin Dispersible tablets as the first line for the management of pneumonia in children under five years.
He called on Kenyans to protect the health and well being of children so that they live to their full potential, adding that care seeking for children with symptoms of acute respiratory infection stands is 66 percent in both public and private health facilities.
"We plan to step up oral antibiotics for the management of pneumonia, application of injectable antibiotics and oxygen for management of severe pneumonia to reach all sick children and prevent unnecessary deaths," Mailu said.
He also announced plans to scale up exclusive breastfeeding, adequate complementary feeding and vitamin A supplementation to provide the foundation of keeping children healthy and free of pneumonia.
This move will include intensifying immunization, availing safe drinking water, ensuring that sanitation and hygiene are maintained and reducing household air pollution to prevent children from dying.
