World Pneumonia Day is observed every November 12 to raise awareness and galvanize action against pneumonia, the world’s leading infectious killer of children and a major threat to vulnerable populations.
The 2025 theme, “Child Survival,” focusing on pneumonia's role as the leading infectious cause of death in children under five
Pneumonia?
- Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- It is both preventable and treatable yet remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
- Cough (sometimes with phlegm or blood)
- Difficulty or rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- High fever and chills
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- In severe cases, low oxygen levels, confusion, or death—especially in children under five and older adults.
Basic Facts
- Pneumonia kills more than 700,000 children under five every year worldwide.
- It accounts for 14% of all deaths in children under five.
- Nigeria is among the countries with the highest burden, contributing significantly to global pneumonia deaths.
- Malnutrition, air pollution, lack of immunization, and limited access to healthcare worsen the burden in low- and middle-income countries.
Good News
- Expanded access to vaccines (such as pneumococcal and Hib vaccines) is reducing childhood pneumonia deaths.
- Advances in diagnostics and antibiotics are improving treatment outcomes.
- Community-based health programs are strengthening early detection and referral systems.
- Partnerships across governments, NGOs, and private organizations are mobilizing resources and interventions.
Prevention
- Ensure complete childhood immunization (including pneumococcal, measles, Hib, and pertussis vaccines).
- Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to strengthen immunity.
- Improve nutrition and reduce exposure to indoor air pollution.
- Encourage handwashing and hygiene practices to prevent respiratory infections.
- Ensure prompt access to testing, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy where needed.
- Strengthen healthcare systems to reach underserved populations.
Call to Action
World Pneumonia Day 2025 is a reminder that pneumonia is preventable and treatable, but progress depends on partnerships. Governments, health workers, families, and communities must unite to protect the most vulnerable, especially children and the elderly. By strengthening collaboration, scaling up proven interventions, and ensuring equitable access to care, we can reduce the pneumonia burden and save millions of lives.
Together, through partnerships for progress, we can make pneumonia a disease of the past.
