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World Pneumonia Day seeks to raise awareness on this treatable yet deadly disease, which claims the life of a child every 20 seconds.
World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12. (Image: Shutterstock)
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory disease that damages the lungs and causes difficulty breathing, often due to fluid or mucus buildup. World Pneumonia Day, observed annually on November 12, seeks to raise awareness on this treatable yet deadly disease, which claims the life of a child every 20 seconds. Despite being preventable, pneumonia remains a leading cause of death in children under five, responsible for 15% of child mortality globally, according to UNICEF.
World Pneumonia Day 2024: History and Significance
World Pneumonia Day, first observed on November 12, 2009, was initiated by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia to launch the ‘Stop Pneumonia’ campaign. The campaign focused on raising awareness and securing legislation to combat pneumonia, especially in low- and middle-income countries where malnutrition and respiratory illnesses are prevalent.
In 2017, the ‘Every Breath Counts’ partnership was formed, bringing together international NGOs, UN agencies and institutions to support efforts in pneumonia prevention, diagnosis and treatment. These collaborations aim to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) further strengthens these initiatives, working to reduce pneumonia-related newborn mortality and address underlying causes of respiratory infections in developing nations.
World Pneumonia Day provides a major platform for education, awareness campaigns and global participation, underscoring the seriousness of pneumonia and the need for action to combat this preventable disease.
World Pneumonia Day 2024: Symptoms of the disease
The early symptoms of pneumonia can often be mistaken for those of the flu or a cold. The type of pneumonia a person has will determine whether they experience any additional symptoms thereafter.
A person with pneumonia will often have a cough that may produce phlegm, rapid breathing, dyspnoea, chills, sweating, and chest pain that usually worsens with deep breathing. Severe nausea and vertigo may also affect the sufferer.
World Pneumonia Day 2024: Causes of the disease
The five primary causes of pneumonia are bacteria, viruses, various chemicals, Mycoplasma, and other infectious agents, including fungi such as pneumocystis. Patients with pneumonia should receive antibiotics as part of their treatment.
World Pneumonia Day 2024: Treatment
Most pneumonia infections require oral antibiotics, which are typically administered at a clinic after a proper consultation with a doctor. Hospitalisation is recommended only in the most severe cases.
Immunisations provide protection against a range of pneumococcal infections. While they may not completely protect older adults from pneumonia and other infections, they can significantly reduce their risk.
