Pneumonia is the leading cause of child mortality and pneumonia and diarrhea are the two leading causes of deaths in children under 5 each year. Globally, an estimated 98% of children who die of pneumonia live in developing countries. Its prevalence is highest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Children can be protected by simple interventions, medicines and care. In Cote d’Ivoire, pneumonia is the second leading cause of hospitalization and the second leading cause of death among children under 5 years.
To combat pneumonia’s devastating toll, 2012 Small Grantee Stop Tuberculosis Bouake (Stop TB) is leading capacity building for NGO’s and CBO’s in Cote D’Ivoire by creating a platform to fight against the needless suffering of children from illness. To protect children and families, Stop TB is providing solutions through awareness building about child survival issues on pneumonia and diarrhea.
Stop Tuberculosis Bouake is organizing trainings to take place on World Pneumonia Day, emphasizing things such as the importance of immunization, the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, water/sanitation issues, and preparing oral rehydration solutions.