Shifa Hospital Swat

Every breath counts; stop pneumonia now!

Pneumonia claimed the lives of 2.5 million people, including 672,000 children, in 2019 alone. The combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflict are fueling a pneumonia crisis across the life course, placing millions more at risk of infection and death. In 2021, the estimated burden of deaths from respiratory infections, including COVID-19, is a massive 6 million.

Today is World Pneumonia Day, which aims to raise awareness about the deadly illness. Today is a yearly reminder that pneumonia can strike anywhere and anytime and is a serious, potentially life-threatening lung infection.

It's Global Handwashing Day! Did you know 80% of infectious diseases are passed by direct or indirect human contact? Spread the word instead! Washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds—and drying them afterwards—can help reduce disease transmission.