Last update:November 12, 2024, 06:00 IST

World Pneumonia Day aims to raise awareness about this treatable but deadly disease, which claims the life of a child every 20 seconds.

World Pneumonia Day is celebrated every year on November 12. (Image: Shutterstock)

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory illness that damages the lungs and causes difficulty breathing, often due to a buildup of fluid or mucus. World Pneumonia Day, celebrated annually on November 12, aims to raise awareness about this curable but deadly disease, which claims the life of a child every 20 seconds. Although preventable, pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children under five, accounting for 15% of child mortality worldwide, according to UNICEF.

World Pneumonia Day 2024: History and Meaning

World Pneumonia Day, first celebrated on November 12, 2009, was initiated by the Global Coalition Against Childhood Pneumonia to launch the “Stop Pneumonia” campaign. The campaign focused on raising awareness and passing legislation to combat pneumonia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where malnutrition and respiratory diseases are widespread.

In 2017, the Every Breath Counts partnership was formed, bringing together international NGOs, UN agencies and institutions to support efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat pneumonia. These collaborations aim to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) further strengthens these initiatives, working to reduce pneumonia-related neonatal mortality and address the underlying causes respiratory infections in developing countries.

World Pneumonia Day provides a major platform for education, awareness campaigns and global participation, highlighting the seriousness of pneumonia and the need for action to combat this preventable disease.

World Pneumonia Day 2024: Symptoms of the disease

The first symptoms of pneumonia can often be confused with those of the flu or a cold. The type of pneumonia a person has will determine whether they have additional symptoms afterward.

A person with pneumonia will often have a cough that may produce phlegm, rapid breathing, dyspnea, chills, sweating, and chest pain that usually gets worse with deep breathing. Severe nausea and dizziness can also affect the sufferer.

World Pneumonia Day 2024: causes of the disease

The five main 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 usually administered in a clinic after a proper consultation with a doctor. Hospitalization is only recommended in the most serious cases.

Vaccinations provide protection against various pneumococcal infections. Although they don’t completely protect older people from pneumonia and other infections, they can significantly reduce their risk.