WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY 2025: “CHILD SURVIVAL” 

World Pneumonia Day is observed on 12 November each year to increase awareness about pneumonia, a lung infection that is preventable and treatable. Yet, it remains a major cause of illness and death worldwide. The theme for 2025 is “Child Survival,” highlighting the urgent need to protect children under five – the group most vulnerable to severe pneumonia.

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that infect the air sacs in the lungs. Symptoms include fever, persistent cough, chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. While anyone can be affected, children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk.

Globally, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death in young children, killing more than 700,000 children under the age of five every year. Many of these deaths are preventable with timely access to vaccination, nutrition, clean air, and medical treatment.

 

Pneumonia in Malaysia

In Malaysia, pneumonia is a growing health concern. Recent national data showed that pneumonia was the leading cause of medically certified deaths, accounting for over 18,000 deaths in 2023. The rise has been linked to an ageing population, respiratory infections, delayed medical attention, and lower immunity, especially among young children and older adults.

Hospital data also show that pneumonia remains one of the most common causes of admission in children, underscoring the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment.

 

What We Can Do

• Ensure children receive pneumococcal and Hib vaccinations
• Promote hand hygiene and healthy nutrition
• Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and indoor air pollution
• Recognise warning signs such as fast breathing, chest indrawing, poor feeding, or persistent fever in children
• Seek medical care early if symptoms worsen
• A Shared Responsibility

 

On World Pneumonia Day 2025, let us unite to raise awareness, support vaccination programmes, and strengthen early healthcare access. Pneumonia should not be a life-threatening illness—especially in children. With knowledge, prevention, and timely treatment, every breath can be protected, and every child can survive.

Dr. Norafida Bahari
Clinical Radiologist
Department of Radiology
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 12/11/2025 | Updated: 12/11/2025 | nadia_rahman