Nationwide Expansion Of Pneumococcal Vaccine Launched By Health Minister
NDTV
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also released communication and awareness packages on the vaccine which will be shared with all states and union territories.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday launched the nationwide expansion of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and said it will help reduce childhood mortality by around 60 per cent.
The Union minister also released communication and awareness packages on the vaccine which will be shared with all states and union territories.
Speaking on the occasion, he said it is for the first time in the country that the PCV will be available for universal use.
Noting that pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five globally and in India, he said, "Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children. In India, around 16 per cent of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia. The nationwide roll out of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60 per cent".
