World Pneumonia Day, 12 November 2010, seeks to raise awareness of pneumonia as a public health issue and help prevent the millions of avoidable child deaths from pneumonia that occur each year. It is organized by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia.
Pneumonia is preventable and treatable and LSTM scientists are leading innovative studies to develop new vaccines for application in the developing world and the UK, while our clinical staff are improving access by the poor to diagnosis and clinical care.
Key Messages
- Pneumonia kills more children under the age of five than any other disease, claiming a young life every 20 seconds.
- For every child that dies from pneumonia in the industrialized world, 2000 more die in developing countries.
- Pneumonia is one of the most solvable problems in global health. We have the safe, effective and affordable tools necessary to help prevent children from contracting pneumonia, and to treat those suffering with this illness.
- The fight against pneumonia can be won. Estimates indicate that more than one million children’s lives can be saved annually with widespread use of vaccines and improved access to antibiotics.
- Together we can ensure that pneumonia becomes a priority on the global health agenda, and that all parties work together to invest in its prevention. Join the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia to take part in our global advocacy efforts.