In Nandurbar: Lack of knowledge, prevalence of traditional medicines leading cause of childhood pneumonia complications

Childhood pneumonia has been a major concern of child mortality in the country and Akkalkuwa is no exception. “The tribal community of Akkalkuwa perceive cough, flu, fever and stomach upset/distension as commonly reported symptoms of pneumonia. Food ingestion, climate and heat-cold humidity have been reported as perceived causes whereas private doctors, traditional healers and herbalists were the highest source of help seeking for pneumonia. More than 90% stated that pneumonia could be cured, and more than one-third consider it as a serious illness,” the study said.

However, when it came to treatment, traditional healers, who brand the stomach of the child with a heated rod, massage the child with groundnut oil, and herbal medicines given by the local healer, were the first line of treatment. Interestingly, researchers said social anxiety of losing income to medicines was the first reaction among parents when their children were diagnosed with pneumonia. Grassroot level workers lacked knowledge about the cause, prognosis and treatment of the disease. Most delayed purchasing modern medicines either due to high cost or non availability. Delayed treatment for pneumonia can complicate cases among children.

Integration of traditional health care providers in the health system and extending knowledge among community health workers are major suggestions the researchers have put forth to improve the management of pneumonia among children in Akkalkuwa.