World Pneumonia Day 2026 is on Thursday

About World Pneumonia Day

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. The tiny air sacs fill with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and cuts the body's oxygen supply. WHO estimates that it killed about 740,000 children under 5 in 2019, roughly 14% of all deaths in that age group, with the highest tolls in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems or chronic illness also face serious risk.

The day was started in 2009 by a coalition of health, humanitarian and advocacy groups that wanted more attention and funding for a disease they saw as neglected. Gavi reported in July 2009 that Save the Children, PneumoADIP at Johns Hopkins, the GAVI Alliance and Hedge Funds vs. Malaria & Pneumonia had joined to announce it. According to CDC, the first World Pneumonia Day took place on November 2, 2009, backed by a coalition of about 40 organizations, with CDC and UNICEF giving technical help. In later years the observance settled on November 12.

The day is tied to a practical plan. WHO and UNICEF's integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea sets out three kinds of action: protect children with breastfeeding and good nutrition; prevent infection with vaccines, handwashing with soap and less household air pollution; and treat sick children quickly, making sure they can reach a health worker and get antibiotics and oxygen when needed. Since 2017, the Every Breath Counts Coalition has worked to help governments meet the plan's targets.

Sources: World Health Organization: Pneumonia in children fact sheet, CDC MMWR: Announcement, World Pneumonia Day, November 2, 2009, Gavi: Citing urgency, a diverse alliance unites to prevent the leading killer of children worldwide (2009), Stop Pneumonia: World Pneumonia Day, a decade on. How we check dates.

How to mark World Pneumonia Day

• Check that your children's routine vaccines are up to date, including those that protect against pneumococcus, Hib and measles.
• If you're an older adult or have a chronic condition, ask your doctor whether a pneumococcal or flu vaccine is right for you.
• Learn the warning signs in children, such as fast or difficult breathing and a chest that pulls in when breathing, and seek care quickly if you see them.
• Cut indoor smoke at home by not smoking indoors and ventilating rooms where fuel is burned for cooking or heating.
• Support charities that expand vaccines, oxygen and basic treatment for children in low-income countries.

World Pneumonia Day dates