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World Pneumonia Day, celebrated each year on November 12, aims to raise awareness about pneumonia, a preventable respiratory infection that still claims millions of lives.
World Pneumonia Day 2025: Vaccines, awareness, nutrition and timely care can save millions of lives. (AI generated image)
World Pneumonia Day 2025: Every year on November 12, the world celebrates World Pneumonia Day to raise awareness about one of the most common but preventable respiratory infections. This global celebration of health reminds us of the urgent need to combat a disease that continues to claim millions of lives each year, particularly among children under five years of age.
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes inflammation in the alveoli, often filling them with fluid or mucus. This causes cough, fever, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Despite being preventable and treatable, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of childhood death worldwide.
World Pneumonia Day 2025: History
World Pneumonia Day was first celebrated on November 12, 2009, when the Global Coalition Against Childhood Pneumonia launched the “Stop Pneumonia” campaign. The goal was to raise global awareness, promote preventive measures, and encourage policy changes to combat pneumonia, especially in developing countries where malnutrition and poor access to healthcare increase vulnerability to respiratory infections.
In 2017, the 'Every Breath Counts' coalition was formed, bringing together international organisations, UN agencies and national governments. This global partnership continues to focus on reducing preventable pneumonia deaths through vaccination programs, improved diagnostics and access to treatment.
Furthermore, the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) plays a vital role in addressing the root causes of pneumonia by improving nutrition, promoting sanitation and ensuring access to essential healthcare.
World Pneumonia Day serves to remember that the disease can be prevented and treated if appropriate measures are taken in time.
World Pneumonia Day 2025: Causes of pneumonia
Pneumonia develops when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other harmful agents infect the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup. The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae, while viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also contribute significantly to infections.
In people with weakened immune systems, fungi can also cause pneumonia. Sometimes breathing food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs, known as aspiration pneumonia, can also lead to infection.
World Pneumonia Day 2025: Pneumonia Prevention
Pneumonia can be prevented through a combination of vaccination, hygiene and healthy living. Vaccines such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, and seasonal influenza vaccine are very effective in reducing the risk of infection.
Practicing good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick people, can also help prevent the spread of germs.
Maintaining strong immunity through nutritious food, regular exercise and adequate rest is equally important. Avoiding smoking and exposure to air pollution further reduces the risk of lung infections.
World Pneumonia Day 2025: cure and treatment
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional, while viral pneumonia usually improves with rest, fluids, and antiviral medications in severe cases.
Fungal pneumonia requires antifungal medications.
Patients are advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take fever- and pain-reducing medications as prescribed.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, or more intensive care.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with almost three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A technology expert…Read more
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with almost three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A technology expert… Read more
Nov 12, 2025, 06:13 IST
