An inflammatory respiratory disorder that affects more than 300 million people across the globe, every year, Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses and can impair the functioning of air sacs of the lungs, called "Alveoli". World Pneumonia Day is a global event observed every year on November 12 to spread awareness and educate people to combat this disease, which has become one of the world’s biggest infectious killers in present times. The theme of World Pneumonia Day 2023 is ‘Championing the fight to stop pneumonia.’ Primarily, responsible for most deaths of children mainly in low and middle-income countries below five around the world, the day focuses on creating ample opportunity and encouraging global action. To ensure that the affected individuals get timely treatment, World Pneumonia Day aims to increase awareness of this common but dangerous infection.
Also Read: World Pneumonia Day 2022.Know About Significance, Theme And Myths And Facts Associated With This Lethal Infection
The first World Pneumonia Day was observed on November 12, 2009, which was a success. Post the event, several government and private organizations came forward to support and implement better policies to educate the public and provide better facilities. Since then, the purpose of World Pneumonia Day has been to draw attention to the public health epidemic and highlight preventative education besides emphasizing the need for more funding for healthcare services.
How To Help Prevent Pneumonia?
A child in the world passes away from pneumonia every twenty seconds, even though it is one of the illnesses that is most easily treatable. Despite treatment being available, the death toll from respiratory infectious diseases has risen dramatically in recent years. Furthermore, the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak has increased the total number of instances of respiratory infectious diseases that result in death making it the biggest respiratory crisis in history and putting millions of people at risk of catching pneumonia infection. Infectious diseases like pneumonia may be treated and prevented and the world needs to know the best measures to prevent the ailment and provide timely health care for the ones who get affected. Here are some ways through which people can be made aware of this lethal infection:
Measures To Combat This Deadly Disease
- Despite ample cases and deaths every year, pneumonia often receives little attention from policymakers and leaders of the world. Therefore, it is important to draw global attention to this major public health problem through various channels of communication
- Encouraging countries to invest in research and development of new vaccines and diagnostic tools to help diminish the burden of the illness on both individuals and communities worldwide
- Appealing to every big and small entity to contribute funds or make other investments to ensure a healthier future for everyone in the world
- Contributing supplies to a group that aims to lessen the effects of pneumonia on communities all over the world
- Providing vaccinations, medicines, or other support for those who have been affected by the disease.
- Drawing the attention of help groups in low- and middle-income countries where children suffer from malnutrition and air infections
