KEMRI Joins The Global Community In Marking World Pneumonia Day 2024.

KEMRI’s Ms. Barbara Miheso during her presentation at the Kitengela Sub- County hospital.

On 12th November 2024, KEMRI joined the global community in commemorating World Pneumonia Day, themed “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Tracks.” As part of the observance, KEMRI organized a clinical workshop at the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital (KSCH) in Kajiado County with an aim to address the ongoing threat posed by pneumonia and explore solutions to reduce its impact.

The event brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and local clinicians to discuss effective and sustainable strategies for reducing pneumonia cases and fatalities in Kenya. Stakeholders issued a resounding call to action, urging concerted efforts to raise awareness and advocate for proper care, treatment, and prevention. This call emphasized the need for renewed collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers.

In her opening address, KEMRI’s lead Research Scientist for the workshop, Ms. Barbara Miheso highlighted the persistent global burden of pneumonia, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable populations and ways in which medical experts can better healthcare services. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease affects 450 million people annually and caused 740,180 deaths among children under five in 2023. Pneumonia is a preventable and curable disease, but it continues to claim lives due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, inadequate vaccination, and high rates of malnutrition and HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa,” highlighted Ms. Miheso.

The KSCH Clinical team led by Head of the Clinical Department, Dr. Lemuta Saila Sandria. also examined socio economic and environmental factors that contribute to pneumonia’s prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Poverty, indoor air pollution, overcrowded living conditions, and weak healthcare systems were identified as key contributors to the high burden of disease. Their collective expertise provided an opportunity for interactive learning and robust discussions on improving pneumonia management.

On his part, KEMRI’s Research Scientist, Dr. Evans Amukoye, who also facilitated the workshop noted that, “For us to make meaningful progress in reducing pneumonia cases, we must address the root causes such as poverty, malnutrition, inadequate vaccination coverage, and limited access to healthcare services, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Particular attention must be given to children under five and adults over 75 years, who are at a significantly higher risk due to weakened immune systems. These groups require targeted interventions, including preventive measures, improved healthcare access, and robust community education, to mitigate the devastating impact of this preventable disease,” elucidated Dr. Amukoye.

*CRDR, Senior Principal research Scientist, Dr. Evans Amukoye during his presentation on respiratory diseases.*

*Ag. Deputy Director Knowledge Management, Ms. Lilian Mayieka during the interactive session.*

The workshop provided clinicians with evidence-based practices for diagnosing and treating pneumonia, identifying gaps in respiratory care, and improving overall healthcare delivery. Discussions focused on strategies to enhance vaccination coverage, address malnutrition, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely and effective care.

Through expert-led discussions and interactive sessions, they gained a deeper understanding of early diagnosis, the importance of comprehensive care, and the need to consider both medical and socio-economic factors in managing pneumonia. In addition, participants were equipped with valuable insights and practical strategies to tackle the challenges of pneumonia prevention and treatment.

*Senior Principal Research Scientist, CRDR, Dr. Meme Hellen during her presentation at the workshop.*

*Head of Clinical Department, Kitengela Sub- County Hospital, Mr. Lemuta Saila Sandria during the closing remarks*

*Senior Research Scientist, CGHR, Prof. Eleanor Ochodo during her active presentation at the workshop.*

On the other hand, participants from KSCH emphasized the importance of harnessing both local resources, such as community health networks, grassroots education programs, and global resources, including advanced medical research and international partnerships. This multifaceted approach was recognized as essential for implementing sustainable solutions to curb pneumonia cases and reduce the mortality associated with the disease.

The workshop, led by KEMRI research scientist, Ms. Barbara Miheso, featured a team of senior research scientists, Prof. Elanor Ochodo, Dr. Evans Amukoye, Dr. Meme Hellen, and Ag. Deputy Director Knowledge Management, Ms. Lilian Mayieka.

*Cochrane Kenya Committee pose for a photo.*

*The workshop Rapporteurs, Ms. Wambui Njonge and Ms. Edna Wanjiku.*

World Pneumonia Day, 2024 served as a reminder of the critical need for sustained efforts to combat the disease and build healthier, more resilient communities.