A training session for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) was held on November 21 at the Community Health Center (CHC) Khaltse, as part of the SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) campaign.

The session saw the participation of 30 ASHAs from the Khaltse block, who were trained in identifying pneumonia. The SAANS campaign focuses on three key pillars to control pneumonia: Protect, Prevent, and Treat. Protecting children through exclusive breastfeeding and timely, appropriate complementary feeding; preventing pneumonia through universal immunization, including PCV vaccination, and reducing indoor air pollution; and treating pneumonia with the appropriate antibiotics and timely referrals.

Block ASHA Coordinator Stanzin Chuskit and Dr. Spalchen served as resource persons during the training. Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr. Shamim Ahmad instructed the ASHAs to visit all households in the Sham block to screen children under five years old for pneumonia and raise awareness in the coming days.