World Pneumonia Day: Pneumonia Isn't Just a Cold | Know Facts of leading killer disease
World Pneumonia Day, celebrated every year on 12 November, to raise awareness about pneumonia which is a leading killer disease of children around the world. The purpose of the day is to promote the need for coordinated, global efforts to combat, prevent, and effectively treat this deadly illness.
The leading infectious cause of death in both children and adults worldwide is pneumonia. On average, it kills more children on its own than AIDS, measles, and malaria put together. Because of the absence of oxygen in the lungs, everyone in the globe is more aware of how vital oxygen is to human health. World Pneumonia Day is perhaps even more important because respiratory illnesses are currently a major problem.
History of World Pneumonia Day:
In 2009, the Global Coalition against Childhood Pneumonia celebrated the first World Pneumonia Day. Their goal was to educate the public about the seriousness of pneumonia and to work together to raise awareness of this often-ignored disease on a worldwide scale. Since the first World Pneumonia Day in 2009, the day has been marked under the general slogan "Healthy Lungs for All."
Around 1.2 million kids died from pneumonia in the year when the inaugural World Pneumonia Day was marked. In 2013, WHO and UNICEF launched an Integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (G.A.P.P.D.) to prevent and control Pneumonia and Diarrhea, four years after this day was observed internationally and globally.
Facts about Pneumonia
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In 2017, 808694 children died from pneumonia, which is 15% of all pediatric fatalities.
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According to scientists, pneumonia may be brought on by bacteria, fungi, or both at the same time. It can also be brought on by inhaling dust, food particles, or any other airborne toxins that might harm a person's health.
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It can be avoided by becoming immunized, eating a healthy diet, and taking care of environmental issues.
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Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial pneumonia, but barely one-third of children who develop pneumonia receive the prescribed dose.
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According to doctors, Breastfeeding children have stronger immune systems, which increases their chances of surviving and recovering from illnesses like pneumonia.
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15% of all deaths in children under the age of 5 were caused by the disease
