• Pneumonia is often called “the forgotten killer,” yet it remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old.
  • This year’s theme, Child Survival, reminds us that every child deserves an opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.

Every year on November 12, the world marks World Pneumonia Day, a day to raise awareness about a disease that silently takes the lives of many children and adults around the world.

Pneumonia is often called “the forgotten killer,” yet it remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old. This year’s theme, Child Survival, reminds us that every child deserves an opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs. It fills the small air spaces with fluid, making it hard for a person to breathe. The disease can be caused by viruses, or bacteria.

The symptoms often start as a cough or fever but can quickly get worse, leading to fast or difficult breathing. Anyone can get pneumonia, but children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses are at a much higher risk.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia kills more children under the age of five than any other infectious disease, which is heartbreaking because most of these deaths can be prevented.

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World Pneumonia Day was first observed in 2009 when global health organisations came together to raise awareness about this preventable disease.

Since then, the day has become an important reminder that pneumonia can be stopped if people are informed and if governments invest in better health systems.

Vaccines play a major role in protecting children from the germs that cause pneumonia. Immunisations such as the pneumococcal, measles, and flu vaccines help keep children safe.

Breastfeeding for the first six months also helps strengthen a baby’s immune system, giving them better protection against infections like pneumonia.

Clean air also plays a big role in prevention of the disease. In many households, especially in developing countries, people still use firewood or charcoal for cooking.

The smoke from these fuels can harm the lungs, particularly in young children. Switching to cleaner cooking methods and keeping homes well-aired can help lower the chances of getting pneumonia.

Another crucial aspect in combating pneumonia is early detection and access to treatment. Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs like fast breathing, chest indrawing, and decreased appetite.

When these symptoms appear, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Health facilities should also be equipped with antibiotics, oxygen, and trained workers to handle pneumonia cases.

To end pneumonia deaths, governments, organisations, and communities must work together to ensure every child has access to vaccines, proper nutrition, clean air, and affordable healthcare.

Every breath a child takes should be a breath of life, not a struggle for survival. By ensuring vaccines reach every family, by reducing pollution, and by strengthening health systems, the world can make sure that fewer children die from a disease we already know how to prevent.

Pneumonia can be beaten. One breath, one child, one life at a time.

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