Today in Uganda children under the age of five make the highest number of people taken ill frequently, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Malaria can be prevented by sleeping under a mosquito net and severe effects of malaria can be avoided through early testing of blood and treatment when found positive. Pneumonia can be prevented though vaccination while diahorrea among infants can be managed through breast feeding, maintaining good hygiene, access to safe water and treatment using ORS(Oral Rehydration Solutions) and zinc tablets.
There are also de-worming as well as vitamin A tablets to help build children’s immunity. Dr Deogratias Munube, a pediatrician at Mulago Hospital advises parents to feed their children on nutritious food for good health.
“If you want your child to be strong and happy then give them a balanced diet. They should also be vaccinated. Use of clean drinking water is also important,” he said.
