SAANS Campaign
SAANS (Social Awareness and Actions to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) was launched by MoHFW to accelerate pneumonia control.
Goal: Reduce childhood pneumonia mortality to <3 per 1000 live births by 2025.
1. Classification (Revised IMNCI / SAANS Guidelines)
The campaign implements the revised WHO/IMNCI classification (2019 India update).
Screening Tool: Mandatory use of Pulse Oximetry at all health facilities/HWCs.
| Classification | Signs & Symptoms | Action/Color Code |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Pneumonia | Any General Danger Sign: • Inability to drink/breastfeed • Vomits everything • Convulsions • Lethargy/Unconsciousness OR • SpO2 < 90% (Hypoxia) • Stridor in calm child • Severe Malnutrition |
PINK (Admit/Refer) • Hospitalization required. • Give first dose of antibiotic before referral. |
| Pneumonia | • Fast Breathing (RR >60/50/40)* • Chest Indrawing (without danger signs)** |
YELLOW (Outpatient) • Home treatment with Oral Antibiotics. • Home care advice. |
| No Pneumonia | • Cough or Cold • No fast breathing, no chest indrawing |
GREEN (Home Care) • Soothe throat, safe remedies. • Watch for danger signs. |
*Note: Respiratory Rate cut-offs: <2m: ≥60; 2m-12m: ≥50; 1-5y: ≥40 per min.
*Note: Under revised guidelines, Chest Indrawing alone (with no danger signs) is classified as Pneumonia (manageable with oral drugs), whereas previously it was Severe.
2. Treatment Protocols
A. Pneumonia (Yellow) – Home Management
- Drug of Choice: Oral Amoxicillin (Dispersible Tablets - DT).
- Dosage: 45 mg/kg/dose BD (Total: 80–90 mg/kg/day).
- Simplified: "0-5-10 Rule" (Half, 1, or 2 tabs of 250mg DT based on age/weight).
- Duration: 5 days.
- Follow-up: After 48 hours. If no improvement, reclassify and refer.
B. Severe Pneumonia (Pink) – Facility Management
- Oxygen Therapy: Start if SpO2 < 90% (Target > 90%).
- Antibiotics:
- First line: Inj. Ampicillin (50 mg/kg/dose Q6H) + Inj. Gentamicin (7.5 mg/kg/dose OD).
- Duration: Minimum 5 days (switch to oral Amox once improved).
- Second line (if no response in 48h): Inj. Ceftriaxone.
- Supportive: Fluids, fever management, bronchodilators (only if wheeze present).
3. SAANS Specific Strategies
- PPT Approach:
- Protect: Exclusive breastfeeding, Vitamin A.
- Prevent: PCV Vaccine (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), Hand washing, Reduced indoor pollution.
- Treat: Standardized management (as above).
- Community Level (ASHA/ANM):
- Empowered to give Pre-referral dose of Amoxicillin for Severe Pneumonia.
- Use of Pulse Oximeters at Health & Wellness Centers (HWC).
- Tagline: "Pneumonia Nahi Toh Bachpan Sahi".