WHO hails drop in Zambia’s under-5 mortality rate

The World Health Organization (WHO) says scaling up proven pneumonia and diarrhea interventions such as introduction of pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccine can end under-five mortality attributable to pneumonia and diarrhea by 2025.

Speaking during the launch of the first round of child health week in Lusaka’s Kalingalinga Compound today, WHO Regional Director Matshidiso Moeti says the goal though ambitious is achievable with the right investment.

Dr. Moeti notes that although progress has been made in attaining the MillenniumDevelopment Goal (MDG) number four, which aims at reducing under five mortality by two thirds by this year, from the 1990 levels, globally, an estimated 6.3million children under five died in 2013, of which 2.9 million were from the African region.

She explains that pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and HIV are the main infectious causes of death in children under five in the African region, hence the need for parents and especially mothers to ensure that they have their children vaccinated at the right time.

Dr Moeti says the WHO is pleased with Zambia’s significant strides in scaling up of interventions that will lead to further reductions and sustain the achievements in line with MDG targets.

And speaking at the same function ministry of community development, mother and child health Permanent Secretary Professor Elywn Chomba says child health week provides an opportunity for the health sector to provide vitamin A which is an important micro nutrient responsible for proper growth and development of young children.

Professor Chomba states that other key interventions scheduled during this period is de-worming which is intended to address the problem of worm infestation in children.