By Salisu K Ismail
About 120,000 children under the ages of five are said to be dying every year in Nigeria according to Adamu Isah of Save the Children Initiative.
Dr. Adamu Isah who is the Chief of Party, Inspiring project under the save the children initiative made this known this Monday during the inauguration ceremony of 'every breath count coalition committee held at the state ministry of health, Dutse, the jigawa state capital.
According to him, two third of children die in the first years of their lives which requires the attention of the world on its seriousness as was given to malaria, tuberculosis and HIV diseases.
"One of the ways of creating awareness is bringing together a coalition of the willing to effect a desired change through fund raising and public sensitisation," he said.
On his part, The Permanent Secretary, Jigawa state ministry of health Dr. Salisu Mu'azu while inaugurating the committee explained that, Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under the ages of five in the state.
However, Dr Salisu Mu'azu said a part from awareness issue it was also observed that, there is low knowledge and skills among front-line health workers to effectively treat the condition.
"It was a part of the reason that, Inspiring project under the save the children in collaboration with the state ministry of health and other stakeholders will implement intervention strategy for health care workers, communities and care givers in Pneumonia," he stressed
The committee was given a 7 term of references which would guide it's activities towar tackling pneumonia among children of younger ages in Jigawa state.
The committee has in it's composition, representatives from the state ministry of health, health agencies in the state, civil societies, private sectors and other professional bodies.
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