World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12 and is a global effort to educate people about the disease and its effects. On this day, health organisations, together with ordinary people, try to educate, raise awareness and promote advocacy that pneumonia is curable. It requires awareness to combat the disease, especially in children aged five and below.
History of World Pneumonia Day
On 12 November 2009, the first World Pneumonia Day was observed. On this day, the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia launched the ‘Stop Pneumonia’ campaign, which was backed by governments and civil organisations leading to the enactment of sound policies. The campaign concentrated more on low and middle-income countries where children are affected by respiratory infections and malnutrition.
In 2017, a coalition known as Every Breath Counts was formed to empower low and middle-income nations in their fight against respiratory diseases like pneumonia. The UN agencies, international NGOs, institutions, and organisations are the members of this global coalition. Working together, they aim to educate the general public, provide healthcare assistance, and advance healthcare policy, especially in pneumonia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment which could save hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
These efforts have been reinforced by implementing the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrohea (GAPPD), aimed at reducing infant mortality from the disease and addressing the underlying causes of respiratory infections in developing countries.
World Pneumonia Day Significance
Pneumonia is a treatable disease, yet a child dies from it every 20 seconds around the world. World Pneumonia Day provides a significant platform to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and possible treatment options. This underlines that pneumonia is a dangerous and lethal infection that could occur anywhere, anytime. In addition, it provides a platform for activists, groups, and individuals to work together in awareness campaigns. This is a global observance, of great relevance, happening in November annually.
World Pneumonia Day 2023 Theme
While the official theme for World Pneumonia Day 2023 has yet to be released, its primary objective remains unwavering: generate knowledge on pneumonia and reduce the number of child deaths of five years and below. Pneumonia is a preventable disease highlighting the significance of each breath and step in combating this disease. The campaign invites everyone to fight pneumonia together.
Types of Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia: This is caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza or Staphylococcus aureus.
Viral pneumonia: Often associated with influenza virus or RSV.
Mycoplasma pneumonia: It is caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia and is milder. The infection is often known as “walking pneumonia”.
Fungal pneumonia: This condition is caused by breathing of environmental fungal spores.
Aspiration Pneumonia: This infection happens when food or liquid substances are inhaled into the lungs.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia: You may contract this infection if you come in contact with an infected person in a hospital setting.
Community-acquired pneumonia: Occurs in the community and affects everyone who is a part of that group or community.
Pneumonia Symptoms: Fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, confusion, and bluish lips or nails in severe cases.
Measures to combat pneumonia
Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines.
Maintain good hygiene by frequent handwashing.
Stay away from sick people.
Cover the mouth and nostrils when sneezing or coughing.
Build a healthy immune system using a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.
Give up smoking and cut down on alcohol.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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