children more vulnerable
The UN children’s agency says outdoor air pollution contributed to 154,000 deaths of children under five globally in 2019. In Pakistan it is one of the top five causes of death among the entire population and the elderly as well as young children are the most affected.
“Children are physically more sensitive to air pollution than adults because their brains, lungs and other organs are still developing,” UNICEF said. Children breathe twice as fast as adults, which increases the risk, he said.
“The government should take strict action because small children are facing problems,” said Shazia, holding her nine-month-old son Mohammed, who was admitted for four days in the overcrowded ward of Sir Ganga Ram due to a chest infection. Had been. Also on the bed was one-month-old baby Noor, suffering from pneumonia, crying through her oxygen tube as her grandmother tried to soothe her.
Provincial Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram said hospitals were on high alert and beds and ventilators were set aside for additional emergency cases.
There have been four partial lockdowns since the beginning of November, as well as campaigns to promote masks.