Uyo, Nigeria — A consultant paediatrician, Dr. Opeyemi Adebisi, has called for increased public awareness and early medical intervention as the world marks World Pneumonia Day today.
Speaking on the global theme, “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Tracks,” Dr. Adebisi described pneumonia as one of the leading causes of illness and death among children under the age of five, despite being both preventable and treatable.
In an interview with Planet News health correspondent, Emediong James, the paediatrician explained that pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and difficulty in breathing. She listed symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, chest pain, chills, and rapid breathing as warning signs that should never be ignored.
Dr. Adebisi further noted that many pneumonia-related deaths occur in communities with limited access to healthcare and low public awareness. She urged the government and health agencies to intensify sensitization campaigns and strengthen immunization efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Highlighting that children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups, she emphasized the importance of vaccination, good nutrition, and prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
As the world commemorates World Pneumonia Day, Dr. Adebisi appealed to Nigerians to protect vulnerable populations, stressing that “every breath truly counts.”