World Pneumonia Day, marked annually on 12 November, is a global initiative to raise awareness about pneumonia, a preventable and treatable disease that remains a leading cause of death in children under five and a significant health concern for adults. Background In 2009, a diverse group of committed clinicians, advocates, academics, UN officials, and business people came together to change the way the world responded to pneumonia, the “forgotten killer of children”. When they launched the first World Pneumonia Day in November, pneumonia was killing 1.2 million children each year. With aging populations, urbanization, and air pollution increasing the burden of respiratory infections, and the risk of another COVID-like pandemic high, there is a pneumonia crisis across the life course killing millions now and placing many more at risk of death when the next pandemic strikes. Tragically, it is the very young and the very old who are at greatest risk. Children living in areas with low vaccination rates and malnutrition, and in homes that use polluting fuels for cooking and heating, are particularly vulnerable. Sixty percent of all child pneumonia deaths are attributable to malnutrition. Older adults exposed to outdoor air pollution – most significantly from burning fossil fuels – and smoking are also at risk. More than one in four pneumonia deaths among adults aged over 70 are attributable to air pollution and smoking. Pneumonia Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. It can cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages, however it is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. People at-risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with preexisting health problems. The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. These infections are generally spread by direct contact with infected people. Vaccines can help prevent pneumonia. Depending on the severity of the pneumonia, signs and symptoms may include: Cough Shortness of breath Fever, sweating and shaking chills Fatigue Chest pain Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Confusion, especially in older adults People of all ages can reduce their risk of pneumonia by: Get vaccinated: Immunization against Hib, pneumococcus, measles, influenza and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia. Wash your hands: Maintain good hygiene and washing your hands frequently, especially when caring for others who are sick or after blowing your nose, will keep germs from spreading. Address environmental factors: Reduce indoor air pollution by providing affordable clean indoor stoves and stop smoking. Maintain healthy lifestyle: Eat a healthy diet, rest and get regular exercise to help you stay well. Adequate nutrition is key to improving natural defences, starting with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Theme for 2026 - A New Era of Pneumonia Control To focus the world’s attention on pneumonia, the Every Breath Counts Coalition mobilizes organizations across the globe to raise their voices on World Pneumonia Day. In 2026, the theme is A New Era of Pneumonia Control in recognition of recent significant progress in vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments. Countries will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goal for child survival without ensuring that all of their children are protected from pneumonia with good nutrition, clean air, vaccination, and access to speedy diagnosis and treatment, including with antibiotics and oxygen if necessary. Sources World Health Organisation Stop Pneumonia