World Pneumonia Day 2024: Every year on November 12 is observed as World Pneumonia Day to raising awareness about pneumonia, a life-threatening but preventable and treatable respiratory illness.
According to American Lung Association, pneumonia is primarily caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi that are transmitted from one person to another. The most common type of bacterial pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia.
World Pneumonia Day is observed to highlight the impact of pneumonia, especially among children under five and the elderly, who are most vulnerable.
What the theme of World Pneumonia Day 2024?
The theme for World Pneumonia Day in 2024 is “Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track.” This theme highlights the importance of each breath and emphasises on the urgent need to combat pneumonia through timely detection, effective treatment, and preventative measures.
What is the history of World Pneumonia Day 2024?
In 2009, World Pneumonia Day was established by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia which is a collective of public health organisations determined to address the lack of awareness about pneumonia’s severity.
Although it is preventable and treatable, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. The day was created to give a voice to this silent epidemic, encouraging governments and health organisations to make pneumonia prevention and treatment a priority on the global health agenda.
How to prevent pneumonia?
According to Mayo Clinic, to help prevent pneumonia:
- Get vaccinated
- Make sure children get vaccinated
- Practice good hygiene
- Don’t smoke
- Keep your immune system strong