Speech by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the World Pneumonia Day Event @ Bukit Batok, 26 November 2017

Mr Murali Pillai, Adviser to Bukit Batok Grassroots Organisations 

Mr Peter Yeo, Chairman, Bukit Batok CCC 

Distinguished Guests 

Ladies and Gentlemen       
 
Introduction

           Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today. Pneumonia is a serious lung disease that has consistently ranked as the second most common cause of death in Singapore in the past five years. This is second only to cancers. The proportion of deaths due to pneumonia has increased from 16.8% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2016. Given that our population is ageing, and persons aged 65 years and older are more susceptible to pneumonia, this number could continue to increase. 

Causes of pneumonia and ways to reduce risk of developing pneumonia

2.         Pneumonia can occur from infection by bacteria, viruses, and less commonly fungi. More than half of all pneumonia cases are bacterial in origin, particularly infection by the pneumococcus bacteria. Another important cause of pneumonia is the influenza virus. Pneumonia is potentially life-threatening in older adults and in persons with weakened immune systems. 

3.         There are ways in which we can reduce the risk of developing pneumonia. For instance, living a healthy lifestyle such as eating healthy and staying active helps to strengthen our immune system. We can stay active through regular exercise, which can be as simple as exercising at one of the fitness corners found in neighbourhood parks. In fact, there are fitness corners specially designed for senior citizens at the Bukit Batok central park located just beside this community club.           

4.         Both pneumococcus and influenza can spread from one person to another by airborne droplets, such as through coughing or sneezing. Everyone can play a part to reduce the spread of these diseases by maintaining good hygiene practices. Simple acts like covering our mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing, then discarding the tissue into a bin immediately will prevent disease spread. Washing our hands with soap before eating and after going to the toilet also helps protect ourselves. If you are sick, it is better to stay home, . and iIf you intend to go out when you are not well, do wear a mask and dispose of it properly after use.         

Prevention by vaccination          

5.         Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal and influenza can reduce the likelihood of contracting these diseases. The pneumococcal vaccine is part of Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Programme since November 2009, and influenza vaccines have also been recommended for children aged below 5 years. 

6.         For the adult population, MOH has established the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) to provide recommendations on vaccines that adults should take to protect themselves. The NAIS comprises seven vaccines that protect against 11 diseases, and includes pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. Persons aged 65 years and older and persons with chronic medical conditions are recommended to receive pneumococcal or influenza vaccinations based on indication. The pneumococcal vaccination – usually given in two doses – can provide lifelong protection, whereas influenza vaccine is required annually for those indicated. Singaporeans in the target population groups can tap on their Medisave to pay for the recommended vaccines. I encourage everyone to discuss your vaccination needs and suitability to receive the recommended adult vaccines with your family doctor. 

7.         The Good Life Co-operative, together with PAP Community Foundation, has also launched a mobile vaccination clinic bus programme to raise awareness of the importance of preventive health and vaccination. It also provides vaccinations at lower costs and greater convenience to residents. 

8.         Fighting pneumonia requires us to work together as a community. I commend the Bukit Batok Grassroots for taking the lead to bring the various partners together. I am heartened to see many community partners such as the Singapore Dental Health Foundation, St Luke’s Hospital, St Luke’s Eldercare, NTUC Health, and the National University Health System (NUHS) as well as industry partners such as Liquid Health, and Pfizer.      

Conclusion

9.         In conclusion, vaccination and making small modifications to our lifestyle, such as eating healthy and staying active, can improve our immunity and better protect us against pneumonia. 

10.       I would like to thank Bukit Batok CC and The Good Life Co-operative for organising this event to raise awareness of pneumonia. I hope you will be able to learn more about the disease, and how to protect yourselves against it. I wish everyone good health and a pleasant day ahead.