World Pneumonia Day 2025: UN Warns Children Still at High Risk Despite Available Vaccines

Geneva / Kampala

On World Pneumonia Day (12 November), the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a fresh alert: pneumonia remains the leading infectious killer of children under five globally. WHO calls for urgent action to scale up vaccination, early diagnosis, and treatment.

Pneumonia claims more lives in children under five than malaria, measles, and HIV combined.

WHO highlights that vaccines against Hib, pneumococcus, measles, and pertussis, along with exclusive breastfeeding, nutrition, and clean air, can prevent many deaths.

Low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda, struggle with coverage gaps and limited access to oxygen and antibiotics, perpetuating high mortality rates.

Experts stress the need to strengthen primary healthcare systems, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Why it matters:
Child mortality from pneumonia is preventable. Addressing it is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on child health, universal health coverage, and reducing inequities in healthcare access.

What to watch:

National immunization campaigns and coverage rates in Uganda and Africa.

Implementation of WHO guidelines for early detection, oxygen access, and treatment availability.

Donor and government funding levels for pneumonia interventions.