World Pneumonia Day observed on 12 November

12 November 2013: World Pneumonia Day

World Pneumonia Day was observed on 12 November 2013 across the world to raise awareness of pneumonia. The United Nations (UN) first celebrated the day on 12 November 2009.

This year, the theme for World Pneumonia Day will focus on innovation – highlighting innovative solutions to end childhood pneumonia, while at the same time emphasizing that there are existing simple interventions that need to reach the most vulnerable children.

About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake. Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children under age five worldwide. Nearly one in five global child deaths result from pneumonia every year. In 2012, 1.1 million children under five died from pneumonia, the bulk of whom were less than 2 years old. The impact of pneumonia is worst among the poorest and most marginalized children.