Experts call for govt action as pneumonia deaths rise to No. 1

 

Experts warn that a rise in pneumonia-related deaths should not be mistaken to mean a reduction in other causes of death. (Freepik pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Health experts are urging the government to update its Covid-19 vaccination programme and increase public awareness of respiratory health amid new data showing that pneumonia has overtaken heart disease as the country’s primary cause of death.

Azrul Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said the current vaccination schedule may not yet include the latest single-dose vaccines targeting current Covid-19 strains, including the Omicron KP.2 variant.

“Covid-19 has been shown to increase susceptibility to bacterial coinfection, such as pneumonia, particularly among older patients,” he told FMT.

“It results in more severe disease, hospitalisation and even death. We definitely need to update the vaccines that are available here. The newer vaccines are not available in Malaysia.”

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh voiced support for ramping up influenza and pneumococcal vaccination efforts among high-risk groups, particularly children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

“This has been practised in other countries,” she said, referencing Greece, Bulgaria and Slovakia.

Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, president of the Malaysian Medical Association, said increased resources are needed to implement respiratory health initiatives.

He praised the health ministry’s planned Lung Health Initiative as a positive start but takes the view that further investment is needed to meet the country’s needs as well as greater public education to improve health outcomes.

“The public needs to be educated on when they should see a doctor or seek emergency medical attention as delays can worsen symptoms and result in poorer health outcomes,” he said.

Both Sharifa and Kalwinder cautioned that the rise in pneumonia-related deaths should not be taken to mean a reduction in other causes of death.

“There are many types of pneumonia with differing aetiology and affects both children and adults with the elderly more susceptible,” Kalwinder said, highlighting its severity in immunocompromised individuals, including those with diabetes.

Sharifa said heart disease remains prevalent, largely due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and sedentary habits. - FMT