World Pneumonia Day 2024: Every breath counts

November 12 marks World Pneumonia Day. This day serves as a platform to promote accessible treatment and educate the public on early recognition of symptoms as early intervention can save lives, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

World Pneumonia Day was launched in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, which included organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children. The theme for World Pneumonia Day in 2024 is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track."

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It can appear as an independent disease, but often becomes a complication of other diseases (flu, coronavirus, AIDS and other immunodeficiencies, lung tumors, bronchiectasis, etc.).

According to Global Burden of Disease, pneumonia was the leading infectious cause of death worldwide, claiming 2.2 million lives, including 502,000 children, in 2021 alone. COVID-19 added 7.9 million more deaths that year, raising the total number of deaths from respiratory infections to 10.1 million.

According to Tengrinews, in the first six months of 2024, Kazakhstan registered 49,704 pneumonia cases, marking a 19.2% increase compared to the same period last year. In comparison, 123,910 pneumonia cases were recorded in the country in 2023, with 40,144 occurring in the first six months.

To reduce the risk of pneumonia, it is recommended to:

· Regularly wash your hands with soap

· Stop smoking

· Use air purifiers

· Ventilate the room

· Regularly carry out wet cleaning

· Get vaccinated

Pneumonia is especially dangerous for the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems, particularly in winter when infection risks rise.