Overview
- Observed on November 12, the WHO- and UNICEF-backed day focuses global attention on preventing, detecting and treating pneumonia.
- Pneumonia is an acute lung infection that inflames the alveoli, with causes ranging from bacteria to viruses such as influenza, RSV and SARS‑CoV‑2, and severe cases may require antibiotics, antivirals or oxygen therapy.
- WHO figures show 740,180 deaths among children under five in 2019, with roughly 250,000 in Latin America, underscoring the disease’s persistent toll.
- Those at highest risk include children under two, adults 65 and older, people with chronic conditions or immunosuppression, and individuals exposed to pollution or tobacco smoke, with added danger in hospital settings or limited mobility.
- Prevention efforts highlight free pneumococcal, influenza and COVID-19 shots in Argentina’s national schedule, plus an RSV vaccine added in 2024 for adults 75+ and for pregnant women at 32–36 weeks, alongside education drives and vaccination campaigns held today.