In support of World Pneumonia Day, 12 November, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) calls for global efforts to strengthen effective strategies to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia.
Pneumonia remains the main single cause of death in children under five years outside the neonatal period, causing nearly a million deaths each year. Most deaths occur in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Up to 80 percent of deaths occur outside a health facility, indicating that recognition of disease and access to care continues to be a challenge. Pneumonia is also the second leading cause of years of life lost due to premature mortality. Pneumonia can also lead to poor general health and predispose to chronic respiratory disease in children and adults. Read the press release here.
