Pneumonia remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming more lives of children under five than any other infection and posing a significant threat to older adults and people with chronic health conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts to protect children and communities from pneumonia focus on strengthening health systems to ensure that preventive measures reach everyone and that every person showing symptoms can access rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including antibiotics and medical oxygen when needed.
Effective prevention strategies are well known. These include ensuring all children have access to essential vaccines, such as those for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, measles, and pertussis. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, providing adequate nutrition, and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor air pollution are also critical measures to prevent pneumonia.
Strengthening primary health care is essential, equipping health workers with the necessary tools and training to recognize and manage pneumonia early. Promoting equity and accountability is also vital, with efforts focused on monitoring progress, closing gaps in access to vaccines, oxygen, and care, and integrating pneumonia control into broader programs for child health, ageing, and environmental health.
Increasing access to medical oxygen is another priority, particularly in low-resource settings. Every health facility should have reliable access to oxygen, pulse oximetry, and the supplies and training needed to use them safely, ensuring timely and effective treatment for those affected by pneumonia.
