What day is it?

World Pneumonia Day (the official English name World Pneumonia Day) is an international medical day celebrated every year on November 12.

This day aims to intensify the fight against the disease through preventive measures to protect children, ensure awareness and timely treatment. Pneumonia (or inflammation of the lungs) is a form of acute respiratory infection with mandatory inflammation of lung tissue (bronchi, bronchioles or alveoli). The main causative agents of pneumonia are viruses, fungi, bacteria and the simplest microorganisms.

How did the idea of ​​celebrating World Pneumonia Day come about?

The first Pneumonia Day was held in 2009, when more than a hundred organizations on the planet united in the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia (in the original Global coalition Against Child Pneumonia).

The coalition includes international, governmental, non-governmental and local organizations, citizen activists, research and educational institutes, foundations. They are united by the desire to involve health care professionals, government officials and donors in the problem.

Also, in 2009, the World Health Organization and UNICEF announced the “Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia”, which consists in fighting the disease through active prevention, combined measures for protection and treatment.

World Pneumonia Day in history

• 2009
  November 2

  Launch of World Pneumonia Day.
• 2010

  Postponing the date to November 12; announcement of the first topic.

How is World Pneumonia Day celebrated?

Usually, World Pneumonia Day is celebrated over several days and is held each year with a separate theme.

So, the topic of the first report in 2010 was statistics, the problems facing the global public health system and the health system of individual countries. Forecasts were announced that it is possible to reduce by two-thirds the mortality of children from pneumonia by strengthening measures to prevent pneumonia infections, protect children from conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia, and early treatment of infections.

Events within the framework of World Pneumonia Day are held with the aim of informing society about this problem and involving representatives of the authorities, health care authorities and the public in solving the problem.

The program of events includes:

1. Working meetings and classes with medical professionals on this topic.
2. Conducting classes among patients of the “School of Health” on the prevention of pneumonia, promotion of hygienic knowledge, formation of a healthy lifestyle.
3. Organization of posting of information on websites, as well as distribution among patients of printed products on prevention, promotion of medical and hygienic knowledge (booklets, reminders, etc.).
4. Update of “Health Corners” in hospitals.
5. Exhibition of thematic literature in libraries.

Why is this event important?

According to WHO and UNICEF statistics, pneumonia is on the list of the most common causes of death worldwide, the disease manifests itself among adults in the form of pneumococcal infection and is the most common cause of death in children under five years of age (about 15%). Every minute two babies on the planet die from pneumonia. According to Academician Yu. I. Feschenko, 40,000 to 50,000 Ukrainians suffer from pneumonia every year. Pneumonia is common everywhere, but it affects children the most in Africa and South Asia.

Pneumonia is a very serious and dangerous disease, therefore it is extremely important to ensure public awareness, draw people’s attention to this problem, and devote time to activities dedicated to the fight against pneumonia.

First of all, it is necessary to monitor the observance of preventive measures in kindergartens, schools and various sections attended by small children.

We remember about prevention:

1. Balanced and healthy food.
2. Regular vaccination.
3. Healthy Lifestyle.
4. Physical activity, preferably outdoors.
5. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.

When will we celebrate World Pneumonia Day?