Pneumonia. A killer Disease of Children


Pneumonia is an infection, with one of its main causes being a bacterium called Streptococcus. Therefore, this condition is also referred to as Streptococcal Pneumonia. This bacterium affects the lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, making breathing difficult.


Pneumonia is a common illness worldwide. In 2019, 2.5 million people died from pneumonia, with three-quarters of them being children under the age of five. According to various organizations, pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children under five. Over 800,000 children die globally before reaching the age of five, and approximately 2,200 children succumb to this disease every day.


Every 39 seconds, a child is infected with pneumonia, most of whom are under the age of two. In 2019, around 800,000 children lost their lives to pneumonia, with the majority being under two years old, and 153,000 infants dying in their first month of life.


A report published by the World Health Organization reveals that 16% of children who die from various illnesses are infected with pneumonia. Therefore, pneumonia can be considered a deadly disease for children. Recognizing the significant number of deaths in children due to pneumonia, six child-focused organizations worldwide have called for effective measures to prevent pneumonia, leading to the organization of the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia in Spain.


According to UNICEF, in Pakistan, 2,200 children under five die from pneumonia every day. Pneumonia is a treatable disease, but if not treated promptly and correctly, it can be fatal. To combat this disease, it is crucial to have knowledge, resources, and access to treatment. Remember, pneumonia - balanced nutrition, clean drinking water, and vaccines are effective tools for prevention.


Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children UK, emphasizes, "It's a pandemic that people have forgotten." To save children's lives from pneumonia, urgent interventions such as vaccination, antibiotics, and oxygen cylinders are needed. Disparities in health access and neglect of health principles indicate inequality.


On November 12, 2009, 100 organizations collaborated to create a program against childhood pneumonia, forming a global coalition. Since then, November 12 is observed as "World Pneumonia Day" worldwide to raise awareness about life-threatening diseases at all levels, saving human lives.


This year, experts are highlighting the importance of clean air, as a conservative estimate suggests that 3% of deaths occur due to air pollution. When we breathe, air reaches the inner parts of the lungs through the throat. Harmful substances can enter the lungs, leading to serious respiratory conditions, including pneumonia. Let's keep our environment and atmosphere clean and spread comprehensive information about this disease so that timely treatment can not only save the lives of children under five but also raise awareness about pneumonia.