Kathmandu, November 12

Children, who are not breast-fed, are at high risk of pneumonia, according to doctors. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs caused by virus, bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, allergy, parasites, among others.

“Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity in the country. Children below the age of five are more prone to pneumonia,” said Dr Ajit Rayamajhi, a pediatrician, adding, “Mother’s milk contains Immunoglobulin G which helps children fight infections. Infants below the age of two months do not have immunity to fight diseases, but mother’s milk provides them IgG for protection.”

According to World Health Organisation, pneumonia is the single largest cause of death in children worldwide. Pneumonia in 2015 accounted for 16 per cent of all deaths of children under five years old.

Pneumonia affects children and families everywhere, but is most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Children can be protected from pneumonia. It can be prevented with simple interventions and treated with low-cost, low-tech medication and care.