World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 of every year. The day is created to raise awareness about pneumonia. It is also designed to promote the prevention and treatment of Pneumonia and to generate action to fight the illness. It marks the severity of pneumonia and encourages more organizations around the world to look at the methods of combating the Pneumonia. The day is not an official holiday and the day is observed by raising awareness about Pneumonia and its prevention methods.
“Pneumococcal disease is a real threat. Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes anything from middle ear infection to pneumonia to meningitis. Children are particularly vulnerable to it, but adults can get pneumococcal disease themselves.” – Anthony Fauci
History of World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day was first observed on November 2, 2009. Nearly 100 organizations have participated to create the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia. Pneumonia is a curable and preventable disease that affects almost 155 million children under the age of 5 and kills 1.6 million kids every year. It makes them the number 1 killer of children under the age of 5, claiming more young lives than Malaria, AIDS, and measles. Still, several peoples are unaware of pneumonia’s devastating death toll. Because of this, pneumonia has been dominated as a priority on the global health agenda and rarely gets coverage in the news media. Hence World Pneumonia Day is created to bring this health crisis to the attention of the public and to encourage the policymakers and grassroots organizers to combat Pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the common bacteria that cause Pneumonia. The primary symptoms of Pneumonia include Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. By taking antibiotics, you can prevent Pneumonia by controlling bacterial and fungal infections. Hence Pneumonia Day is a perfect day to raise awareness about Pneumonia and their prevention methods.
The main aim behind the creation of World Pneumonia Day:
- To raise awareness about pneumonia which affects the children under the age of 5.
- To promote the methods to protect against, prevent, and treat pneumonia.
- To generate action, including continued donor investment to combat pneumonia.
On 2009 World Pneumonia Day, UNICEF and WHO released a Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD)
It aims to
- Reduce preventable childhood deaths;
- Improve coverage
- Implement essential policies in 139 countries.
Other Celebrations on November 12
November 12 is also celebrated as
- National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
- National Happy Hour Day
- Fancy Rat and Mouse Day
- International Tongue Twister Day
How to Observe the Day
The best way to observe World Pneumonia Day is by creating awareness among the peoples about the prevention and treatment for Pneumonia. You can participate or conduct education programs to promote the prevention methods of Pneumonia. Share pictures and your thoughts on social media by using the hashtag #WorldPneumoniaDay.
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