Hello Gerald,

I decided to look a little more in-depth into the linkage between sanitation and pneumonia and found that according to the  Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection: Risk Factors and Prevention Assessment Publication:

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections. Streptococcus pneumoniae is spread through respiratory droplets, and factors like crowded living conditions and poor hygiene (poor handwashing practices) can increase the risk of transmission. Adequate sanitation is crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory infections, though the bacterium itself is not directly caused by sanitation issues.

Just thought to make that clear. Hence why with increased social distancing and handwashing promoted during the COVID 19 pandemic, other diseases such as Pneumonia also reduced in prevalence. Hence I think key words here are Social distancing and Hand Washing as opposed to Bacteria exposure from Sanitation, this referring to your point here:

Sanitation and pneumonia are closely linked in several ways this include poor sanitation can lead to increased exposure to  bacteria viruses and fungi these microorganisms are very common in areas where there is poor sanitation for example poor drainage systems and dirty environments

Kind Regards,
Chaiwe

Article by Gerald Jalabani Hamwanja: Levy Mwanawasa Medical university student

There is a rise in pneumonia cases and other respiratory infections in Zambia, particularly during the now ending Cold season (our version of Winter). This has been due to reduction in the adherence to covid-19 guidelines pandemic restrictions .In turn infection from various respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV have Risen. Among these viruses include pneumonia which is typically high in vulnerable populations such as the elderly , young children and those with immune systems. As a thread from covid-19 becomes more similar to that of other common respiratory virus, Center for Disease Control  (CDC) is issuing respiratory virus guidance rather than additional virus specific unified practical approach to addressing array of common respiratory impacts.

I have noted that with covid-19 cases having decreased in severity and frequency compared to past years of pandemic. Circulation of respiratory viruses has complicated the public health landscape. It is therefore important that biomedical scientists and WASH experts in Zambia once again rise to the occasion in combating the rise in these viruses. These sector players can play a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring public health. This can be achieved if  biomedical scientists work on intensify  Disease surveillances and epidemiology. This includes monitoring and analyzing data on disease outbreaks enabling early detection and response to infection. Vaccine development and immunization. The development of vaccine is cornerstone of public health ,medical researchers need to be creative and improve  vaccines so that they prevent against the rise in pneumonia cases. Diagnostic and Therapy Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are essential in controlling the rise and hence more has to be done to ensure public safety.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WATER SANITATION  HYGIENE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMONIA 
Sanitation and pneumonia are closely linked in several ways this include poor sanitation can lead to increased exposure to  bacteria viruses and fungi these microorganisms are very common in areas where there is poor sanitation for example poor drainage systems and dirty environments. I also revealed a study conducted to assess the association between Water sanitation and hygiene practice and Dynamics of endemic childhood pneumonia in Abia State Nigeria. The study involved 1,2201 caregivers who where administered the 2006 UNICEF and WHO harmonized checklist while the children were screened for pneumonizing community-based diagnosis.

Prevalence of pneumonia among children was 18.4% this was statistically significant associated with access to water caregivers administered .lack of access to clean water and inadequate sanitation often means  limited access to clean water making it difficult to maintain proper hygiene. In another research titled “impact and evaluation of sanitation and hygiene program”, conducted in Zambia revealed that Zambia is one of the lowest in the continent where access to sanitation is concerned. The study further stated that 8.4 million estimated individuals lack access to improved sanitation, of which 2.1 million practice open Defecation habits. The act further increase infection as Faecal oral transmission challenges as feacal matter contaminates water  sources, food and surfaces leading to spread of pathogens that can cause pneumonia. Pathogens like  staphylococcus pneumonia . The world Health organisation  attributes 10 percent  disease reduction world wide to water and  sanitation improvements and good  resource management alone.

Zambia's setbacks in providing access to safe water and adequate sanitation are attributed to poor infrastructure development and maintenance as there’s  lack of finances and sure investments in the sector. These factors contribute to the spread of the pneumonia pathogens. It is therefore important to consider investment of resources in the sector to improve sanitation and prevent the spread of pneumonia in the developing world including Zambia.