With Rajasthan witnessing an increase in respiratory infections amongst infants and children, there is a growing need to raise awareness about respiratory diseases, particularly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Various healthcare professionals and established support groups have come together to address this escalating health concern and educate the public on various way to manage and prevent it. The incidence of RSV in the state has surged, especially during the rainy and winter seasons, posing a serious threat to infant health.
According to the Economic Survey 2023-2024 by the Government of India, Rajasthan has seen a decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) from 55 in 2010 to 32 in 2020, yet it remains higher than the national average of 28. This highlights the importance of understanding and addressing causes like lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia, which is caused by viruses like RSV, which adds to the overall disease burden in the state.1198 deaths were reported in under 5 Children due to Pneumonia as reported by Rajasthan in HMIS from 2017-2019.Under Social Awareness and Action Plan to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) Campaign, the government is targeting a reduction in pneumonia-caused deaths by 2025 to less than 3 deaths out of 1000 live births. RSV is a major cause of pneumonia related hospitalisations in India.
Dr, JK Mittal, Director Neonatologist Neo clinic and HOD NIMS Jaipur said; “Our mission is to raise awareness about RSV and its potentially severe impact on infant health, especially in Rajasthan, where the infant mortality rates are high. We would also like to urge the state government to formally recognize RSV as a public health priority by including it in state-level child health programs. This could also be done under the umbrella of the National Health Mission, with specific focus on respiratory infections in infants.
In India, RSV management is primarily focussed on supportive treatment but there is a need to integrate prophylaxis in the management protocol to prevent the complications from the disease.
Dr. Mittal also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts: “Rajasthan’s high IMR makes it essential for healthcare professionals and support groups to unite in improving infant health. Along with other respiratory diseases, RSV significantly contributes to the disease burden and can lead to long-term complications like childhood asthma.”