Deaf Parents/Guardians, Boda Boda Riders, and Traffic Officers, Kanungu District
Re: Increased Cases of Pneumonia in Children
The under-5 mortality rate in Uganda is approximately 35.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate is around 26.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means that about 35 out of every 1,000 children born in Uganda die before their fifth birthday.
These numbers highlight significant challenges in Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly for young children. UNICEF emphasizes the need for improved community health systems, nutrition, and access to clean water to address this issue.
I write to express deep concern over the alarming increase in pneumonia cases among children in our hospitals. Evidence suggests that negligence, particularly by parents/guardians and boda boda riders, is a significant contributing factor.
It has been observed that:
- Children are being transported on motorcycles without adequate clothing (e.g., sweaters) in cold weather.
- Boda boda riders are recklessly carrying babies and children to school or social events, exposing them to harsh conditions. These boda boda riders who carry babies and children in front of the ridder sit them on the fuel tank exposing them to wind and rain and pass by traffic officers and they ignore them.
This negligence endangers children’s health and must stop immediately.
DIRECTIVES:
- Parents/Guardians: Ensure children are dressed warmly and safely when commuting.
- Boda Boda Riders: Stop carrying children without proper safety precautions. To make matters worse these children sit in front and their chest work as wind breakers which exposes these infants to the wind hence causing pneumonia.
- Traffic Officers: Enforce traffic laws and arrest violators to protect children.
Let’s prioritize children’s health. Action is needed now.
Other Causes of pneumonia in children
Common causes of pneumonia in children include:
- Infections: Viral (e.g., RSV, flu) or bacterial (e.g., pneumococcal).
- Environmental factors: Exposure to cold, pollution, or smoke.
- Malnutrition: Weakened immunity increases risk.
- Poor hygiene: Limited access to clean water, sanitation.
- Transportation risks: Exposure during travel (like on boda bodas without protection).
In Uganda, factors like limited healthcare access and crowded living conditions can also contribute.
Want prevention tips or treatment info for pneumonia in kids?
What prevention tips or fast aid treatment for pneumonia
Prevention Tips:
- Vaccination: Ensure kids are vaccinated (e.g., pneumococcal, Hib vaccines).
- Nutrition: Breastfeed infants; provide nutritious food.
- Hygiene: Handwashing, clean environment.
- Avoid smoke: Keep kids away from smoke (indoor cooking, tobacco).
- Dress warmly: Protect from cold weather.
Fast Aid & Treatment:
- Symptoms: Fast breathing, cough, fever, chest in-drawing.
- Seek care: Get medical help quickly if symptoms appear.
- Treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia; supportive care (oxygen, hydration).
- Home care: Keep child warm, hydrated, and comfortable.
If pneumonia is suspected, get to a health facility ASAP.
The purpose of this letter is therefore to direct the police traffic offers on the road to arrest and charge any boda boda found carrying a baby and or a child in front of the rider without proper wind protection and helmet. All chairperson of boda boda states to calm a meeting for their members and warn them again this offense.
LN. Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju (PhD)
Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Kanungu
+256772912643
www.amanetug.com
Ccc: District Health Officer, Kanungu
Ccc: District traffic officer, Kanungu
Ccc: Chairman Boda boda, Kanungu
