November 12th
was World Pneumonia Day (WPD).
Pneumonia is a
form of acute respiratory infection caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Pneumonia
affects more than 4 million of children every year and accounts for 15% of all
deaths of children under 5 years old.
Immunization against
Hib, pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough (pertussis) is effective in preventing
Pneumonia, and timely treatment with antibiotics is highly important in halting
the disease.