World Pneumonia Day: Call for prevention through better health systems

UNICEF Kenya Acting Representative Jean Lokenga said on Saturday, "Pneumonia can be prevented. The number of children who die from pneumonia is an indication of the strength of the health care system of a country."

A total of 12,480 pneumonia deaths are reported in Kenya yearly.

"This means every day, 34 children are dying from pneumonia," Lokenga said.

According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs.

The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake.

Pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination, adequate nutrition, handwashing, reducing air pollution and access to primary health services