Every year on November 12, the globe observes Globe Pneumonia Day to raise awareness and educate people about the need to fight pneumonia, the leading infectious illness that kills both adults and children worldwide and accounts for the majority of deaths of children under five. The day also aims to promote global action, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, to combat the number of deaths from respiratory infections like pneumonia. A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that damages the lungs’ “alveoli” is the cause of pneumonia, an inflammatory respiratory disease. It causes fluid or pus to build up in the air sacs, which makes breathing challenging. It is a communicable illness that can be lethal to those with weakened immune systems, particularly children and the elderly.

On World Pneumonia Day 2024, Asthma Bhawan is dedicated to raising awareness about pneumonia prevention, early detection, and treatment. As a respiratory health organization, Asthma Bhawan offers advice on important preventive care, such as immunization, good personal hygiene, and identifying symptoms so that prompt action can be taken.

The mission of Asthma Bhawan is to empower people and communities to lower the risk of pneumonia and advance respiratory health through educational materials, open forums, and professional consultations. By highlighting pneumonia’s impact on vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, Asthma Bhawan reinforces the importance of proactive care in combating this preventable disease.

The Theme for World Pneumonia Day 2024 

The theme for World Pneumonia Day 2024 is “Championing the fight to stop pneumonia”.

History of World Pneumonia Day 

On November 12, 2009, World Pneumonia Day was first marked as part of the “Stop Pneumonia” campaigns by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, an alliance of many organizations working together to combat the respiratory infection-related death of children. Stop Pneumonia received tremendous support worldwide. Various government agencies and private organizations promoted and carried out better policies and campaigns to inform the public and provide better facilities, particularly in low- and middle-income nations where children suffer from air infections and malnutrition.

One of the first such public-private partnership coalitions, Every Breath Counts Coalition was established in 2017 with the goal of assisting low- and middle-income nations in reducing the number of deaths from respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia. The Every Breath Counts Coalition was established to assist governments with the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD), which aims to lower the child death rate from pneumonia and fight the respiratory infection that causes it in developing nations.

Importance of World Pneumonia Day 

An infectious disease that can be prevented and treated is pneumonia. The number of fatalities from pneumonia and other respiratory infectious diseases has increased significantly in recent years, despite the availability of therapy. In 2019, 25 lakh people lost their lives, and around seven lakh children below five years died due to pneumonia across the world. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of deaths from respiratory infectious diseases to 6 lakh in 2021, making it one of the largest respiratory crises that puts millions of people in danger of infection and death.

World Pneumonia Day plays a vital role in reducing the risk of respiratory infections, reducing the number of cases caused by a lack of knowledge about these infections, and uniting organizations to create the opportunity to make this preventable infectious disease accessible to all segments of society. The day encourages public and private organizations to contribute and organize campaigns at their levels to spread preventive measures, provide facilities, and ensure that no one is denied vaccinations.

Facts About Pneumonia & World Pneumonia Day 

• Sneezing and coughing, as well as bodily fluids like blood after childbirth, can transmit the infectious agent that causes pneumonia, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
• Streptococcus Pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children.
• Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
• Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause of viral pneumonia.
• According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia causes the deaths of 14 lakh children under five per year, making up about 18% of all pediatric deaths globally.
• According to UNICEF, every 39 sec a child dies of pneumonia.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia is 7.7 times more likely to affect a 65-year-old with COPD and 5.9 times more likely to impact someone with asthma.
• It is estimated that 16 lakh pneumonia deaths among adults aged over 50 are attributable to air pollution and smoking.
• The first public-private collaboration in history, the Every Breath Counts Coalition, aims to assist national governments in eradicating pneumonia-related fatalities by 2030.
• An Integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea was introduced by WHO and UNICEF in 2013 with the goal of bringing the global rate of pediatric pneumonia deaths down to less than three per 1000 live births by 2025.

What Basic Things Can Be Done to Minimize Risk?

As these organisms enter our lungs- for example through air, COVID-appropriate behavior becomes all the more important. Therefore, it’s crucial for everyone, especially high-risk patients, to wear masks during pandemics, avoid spitting in public areas—well, anyplace but washbasins—and practice good personal and environmental hygiene.

Social distancing, avoiding overcrowding in shop counters, lifts, buses should become our routine habits. In the long run, we should all work together to reduce air and river pollution while expanding the proper rubbish disposal systems found in larger cities to semi-urban and rural areas. It is important to note that deaths due to TB pneumonia still highest in India. As a result, every precaution we take and every positive habit we instill will be even more crucial.

FAQs

What is World Pneumonia Day?

World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 each year to raise awareness about pneumonia, educate the public on its prevention and treatment, and reduce the disease’s impact worldwide, especially among vulnerable groups.

What is the Theme for World Pneumonia Day 2024?

The theme for World Pneumonia Day 2024 is “Championing the fight to stop pneumonia”.

Why is World Pneumonia Day important?

The high mortality rate of pneumonia, especially in children under five, must be brought to light on this day. It promotes worldwide prevention efforts through immunization, education, and better access to healthcare.

What causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria, leading to an infection in the lungs. the most common cause include Streptococcus pneumonia (bacterial) and viruses like influenza.

How can pneumonia be prevented?

Preventing pneumonia involves immunizations (including the flu and pneumococcal vaccines), proper hygiene, nursing babies, and lowering indoor air pollution, which can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.