Today is World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day is annually held on November 12 to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote prevention and treatment, and generate action to fight the illness.
News, messages, and events promoting World Pneumonia Day are publicized and made viral through social media networks, online, print and broadcast media, and word of mouth. People are asked to help fight the disease by participating in education programs, voluntary work or contributing via donations.
World Pneumonia Day is a worldwide observance and not a public holiday.
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 5 worldwide. Nearly one in five global child deaths result from pneumonia every year. Moreover, this is a preventable and treatable illness via vaccines, antibiotic treatment, and improved sanitation. The United Nations (UN) first celebrated the day on November 12, 2009.