Islamabad (Web Desk): World Pneumonia Day is being observed today (Tuesday) across the globe, including in Pakistan, with a focus on raising awareness about the significant impact of pneumonia, particularly on those most at risk, such as young children under five and the elderly.
The theme for this year’s observance is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Tracks," which emphasizes the urgent need to prevent and treat this deadly disease.
The day serves to highlight effective prevention strategies, advocate for improved treatment options, and address the high mortality rate associated with pneumonia.
Although pneumonia is both preventable and treatable, it continues to be one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide, responsible for more than 800,000 child fatalities each year.
World Pneumonia Day was established in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, a coalition of public health organizations committed to raising awareness about the dangers of pneumonia.
The initiative aims to address the lack of recognition of pneumonia's severity and its disproportionate impact on children, calling for global action to prioritize its prevention and treatment.
This day provides a platform for encouraging governments, health organizations, and individuals to take concrete steps in combating this preventable disease and reducing the number of deaths it causes each year.