By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 12: As many as fifty-three newborn babies have died of pneumonia in East Khasi Hills District between April and September this year, a grim reminder of the persistent threat the disease poses to child survival. The figure was shared by District Maternal and Child Health Officer Dr. E.L. Kharmutee on Wednesday as she unveiled a district-wide campaign to curb pneumonia-related deaths among children.
The special campaign, slated from November 12 to February 28, 2026, seeks to intensify measures against childhood pneumonia — a leading cause of death among children under five — through greater awareness, early diagnosis, and timely medical response at both the community and facility levels.
Dr. Kharmutee said the effort will focus on multiple fronts: training healthcare professionals, ASHAs and anganwadi workers in pneumonia management; conducting awareness activities during village health and nutrition days; and ensuring a steady supply of essential equipment and medicines, including oxygen, pulse oximeters, and antibiotics. The drive will also highlight the dangers of indoor smoke and promote clean cooking and smoke-free homes to reduce exposure among children.
Calling for a united approach, Dr. Kharmutee stressed that the battle against pneumonia can only be won through joint community and institutional efforts.
“This campaign enforces the commitment of the National Health Mission to ensure health, survival and growth of every child… Together let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguard every newborn and child, ensuring that they not only survive but also thrive,” she said.
The initiative will run alongside National Newborn Week, to be observed from November 15 to 21, under the theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby.”
The observance will focus on safe deliveries, infection prevention, early breastfeeding, kangaroo mother care, and improving the capacity of newborn care units such as SNCUs, NBSUs, and NBCs.
Officials said the twin initiatives will actively involve communities, ANMs, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers to strengthen newborn care and reduce preventable child deaths across Meghalaya.
