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 1 . 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 2 .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 3 .RSV is a major cause of pneumonia related hospitalisations in India.
Dr. Dhananjay K Mangal, Director, Sr. Pediatrician & Neonatologist, Babylon
Hospital Pvt Ltd said, “Our mission is to shed light on the serious challenges RSV poses to infant health, particularly in Rajasthan, where infant mortality rates continue to remain high. We urge state government to recognize RSV as a critical public health issue and integrate it into state-level child health programs. By prioritizing respiratory infections within the National Health Mission, we can take a decisive step toward safeguarding our children’s future.