World Pneumonia Day

World Pneumonia Day is celebrated on November 12 all over the world, and is an important day for everyone, as it is a day to raise awareness of the disease and to work together to prevent it. Sadly, more than 2.5 million people die of pneumonia every year worldwide.

History

World Pneumonia Day was founded in 2009 by the childhood pneumonia community, with the slogan “Healthy Lungs for Everyone”. The goals of the events were simple: to tell about the course of the disease, to inform the population about its symptoms, and to unite efforts to form healthy nations. Every year, the holiday gains more traction, with organizations joining the movement and working towards increasing control of the disease, as well as developing new programs. Famous people like Gwyneth Paltrow and Hugh Laurie have also provided support.

In the early 1900s, pneumonia was the third leading cause of death in the world. Treatment was developed in 1913, which reduced the death rate from 25% to 7.5%. In 1930, an antibacterial agent (sulfapyridine) was developed, while the first vaccine was developed in 1977.

Interesting facts

• Inflammation can be bacterial, viral, or combined.
• Vaccination and antibiotics can only fight bacterial pneumonia.
• The area of the lungs where inflammation developed is not restored to its original state.
• The best prevention of the disease today is vaccination.
• Early diagnosis allows to eradicate the disease before the onset of the acute phase.

How to take part

Learn more about the disease at World Pneumonia Day. If we have knowledge, it becomes much easier to fight. Find out about the events that take place in your city, and visit them. Share information on social networks to spread awareness of the disease on this day.

When is World Pneumonia Day celebrated in 2023?

World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 each year.

Observations