New Delhi: Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death among children in India and around the world under the age group of five. Concerning this, on Friday, the Union Heath Minister of India Mansukh Mandaviya launched the nationwide expansion of the vaccine known as the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV). The expansion of this vaccine is set to minimize the child mortality rate in the country by around 60 per cent due to Pneumonia.
In addition to this, the Union Health Minister also released communication and awareness packages in order to raise awareness about the vaccine and its use. It will be shared with all the states and union territories in the county.
Heath Minister Mandaviya said that this is the first occasion in the country when this vaccine will be available for universal use.
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"Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children. In India, around 16 per cent of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia. The nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60 per cent", he said.
He further added that "Children are the future of our country and it is our responsibility to provide them a healthy life”.
On the occasion, Mandaviya also congratulated the efforts of the health care workers and the immunization staff in rolling out this life saving vaccine.
