World Pneumonia Day (12/11)

World Pneumonia Day has been celebrated annually on November 12 since 2009.

Pneumonia (Greek: pneumonia — lung) — is an infectious lung disease that most often affects children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia can cause various types of microorganisms.

This international day appeared on the calendar at the initiative of the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia. This is the name of the association of international, governmental, non-governmental and local organizations, research and training institutes, foundations and citizen activists. The coalition seeks to bring the issue of pneumonia to the attention of government officials, health professionals and potential donors.

One of the tools to help achieve this goal was World Pneumonia Day. On this day, healthcare institutions organize preventive measures and conduct medical examinations. In addition, many volunteers tell people about pneumonia and the risks associated with it, distribute information leaflets and booklets.

Among other things, in 2009, the World Health Organization, together with UNICEF, announced the «Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia». The goal of this — plan is to intensify the fight against pneumonia through combined measures to protect children, prevent and treat the disease.

By the way, it is children who suffer from pneumonia first. This disease is the leading cause of juvenile death worldwide. Every year it claims the lives of about a million children under the age of five. This is more than AIDS, malaria and measles combined.

Pneumonia is ubiquitous, but children in South Asia and Africa suffer the most. However, this disease can be prevented with the help of fairly simple measures, for example, immunization and good nutrition. Therefore, it is especially important to periodically remind the world about pneumonia and encourage people to take actions that can stop the disease: to disseminate information, to interact with authorities, to donate for immunization. This is exactly what doctors and volunteers are actively doing on World Pneumonia Day.

By the way, all those who care can express solidarity with them, at least by wearing... blue jeans. These clothes became a symbol of World Pneumonia Day. After all, the blue color — is the color of the sky, purity and hope that the incidence of pneumonia can be minimized through joint efforts.



Postcard «November 12 — World Pneumonia Day» Article «Not an easy test for the lungs»

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