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World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12 to raise awareness about pneumonia, a life-threatening but preventable and treatable respiratory illness.

This day focuses on pneumonia impact, especially among children under five and the elderly who are most vulnerable. This day also highlights prevention methods, advocating better options and reducing the mortality rate which are linked to pneumonia.

The day was established in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, which included organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children.

Over the years, World Pneumonia Day has proved critical for advocating improved access to vaccines, healthcare, and awareness in fighting pneumonia and other respiratory infections. The World Pneumonia Day strives to give voice to the silent epidemic and encourage governments and health organisations to make pneumonia prevention a priority on the global health agenda.

The Global Burden of Disease says pneumonia claimed the lives of 2.2 million, including 502,000 children, with COVID-19 killing 10 million more, in 2021 alone. This illness is regarded as the “biggest infectious killer of children and adults,” and it is, therefore, critical to address this disease.

The theme for World Pneumonia Day in 2024 is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track."

Meanwhile, according to the Heratsi Analytical Center of Yerevan State Medical University, while pneumonia mortality has decreased worldwide (from 45.6 to 31.2 cases per 100,000 population), Armenia has registered a 214.7% increase from 11.6 to 36.5 per 100,000 population. The highest mortality rate of 53.1/100,000 was recorded in 2019.