Join the fight against Pneumonia: World Pneumonia Day 2024

World Pneumonia Day is observed on 12th November every year, which aims to spread awareness in combating pneumonia. Every breathe is precious and every life is invaluable. This World Pneumonia Day lets emphasize the urgency to stop pneumonia in its tracks as the theme “Every Breathe Counts” reminds us that every individual has a role to play in combating this deadly disease.

About World Pneumonia Day

In 2009, World Health Organization, UNICEF and other global organizations established World Pneumonia Day to address and spread awareness about the devastating impact of pneumonia on children around the world. Pneumonia claims more than 50,000 deaths and more than a million hospitalisations annually. The goal was to reduce the pneumonia-related deaths and ensure every individual has access to quality healthcare across the globe.

The burden of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. It’s a major public health concern where access to quality healthcare is limited.

The devastating reality of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the leading killer of children worldwide, accounting for 14% of all deaths of children under 5 years old, killing 740 180 children in 2019. It usually affects children under five years old, elderly individuals, people living with HIV/AIDS and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi.

Risk factors

• Malnutrition

• Lack of vaccination

• Poor sanitation and hygiene

• Indoor air pollution

• HIV/AIDS

Preventive measures to fight against Pneumonia

We must address to the root causes to fight against Pneumonia:

• Vaccination: Ensure widespread access to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and other life-saving vaccines.

• Nutrition: Encourage proper nutrition to boost immune systems.

• Hygiene: Improve sanitation, hand washing and indoor air quality.

• Healthcare access: Strengthen healthcare systems, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment with anti-biotics can significantly reduce pneumonia-related deaths across the world.

How to join the fight against Pneumonia?

World Pneumonia Day is a reminder worldwide for individuals to join the fight against Pneumonia by increasing awareness about Pneumonia prevention and treatment. It also helps to improve access to healthcare services around the world. There are multiple ways to get involved in the fight by sharing pneumonia awareness messages, participate in local events and campaigns and donate to organizations working to fight pneumonia.

To wrap up

World Pneumonia Day 2024 is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment in the fight against Pneumonia. We can ensure that every individual has access to life-saving treatments and a quality healthcare system by working together. On 12th November 2024, let’s join the fight against Pneumonia and create a better world for individuals combating against Pneumonia.