World Pneumonia Day - 12 November 2025

Pneumonia remains one of the world’s leading infectious killers. It still claims more lives of children under five than any other infectious disease, and also poses a serious threat to older people and those with chronic health conditions, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. 

Protecting children and communities from pneumonia means strengthening health systems - so that preventive measures reach everyone, and every person with symptoms can get rapid diagnosis and the right treatment, including antibiotics and medical oxygen when needed. 

We know what works. 

• Scale up prevention: Ensure all children have access to essential vaccines such as those for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, measles, and pertussis. Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, adequate nutrition, and environments free from tobacco smoke and indoor air pollution. 

• Promote equity and accountability: Monitor progress, close gaps in access to vaccines, oxygen, and care, and integrate pneumonia control into broader child-health, ageing, and environmental health programmes. 

• Increase access to oxygen: Ensure that every health facility - especially in low-resource settings - has reliable access to medical oxygen, pulse oximetry, and the supplies and training needed to use them safely.