Tragic news emerges from Punjab as the province grapples with a surge in pneumonia cases among children under the age of five, with nine more young lives lost in a single day.
The death toll has now reached a staggering 444 for this year alone.
According to the Punjab Health Department, Bahawalpur and Faisalabad districts reported the highest number of fatalities, with five and two deaths respectively. Multan and Sargodha also witnessed one death each from pneumonia.
Furthermore, the health department confirmed 398 new cases of pneumonia in children across the province within a 24-hour period. This brings the total number of reported cases in 2024 to 23,025, highlighting the concerning and rapid spread of the disease.
Lahore, the provincial capital, appears to be particularly impacted, with 82 children diagnosed with pneumonia and seeking medical attention in just one day.
In light of this critical situation, the Punjab Health Department has issued a public appeal, urging parents and caregivers to ensure the complete immunization of children under five years old. Completing the recommended immunization schedule can significantly improve a child's immunity and decrease their vulnerability to diseases like pneumonia.
