First-Ever World Pneumonia Day: How You Can Fight This Curable Killer

First-Ever World Pneumonia Day: How You Can Fight This Curable Killer

Today, Nov. 2, 2009 marks the first-ever World Pneumonia Day. Pneumonia remains one of the largest killers in developing world-- claiming more victims than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined.

Pneumonia kills more than two million children under the age of five every year, taking more victims than any other disease. Every 15 seconds, pneumonia claims the life of another child.

But it is also completely treatable and preventable if detected in time. The Global Coalition Against Pneumonia, a collaborative effort of more than 50 child health organizations, have created the day to drive awareness to to the disease and its global effect.

CNN has more:

Treatment and a cure for Pneumonia is available, so the biggest battle left to fight is that of awareness.

If you have a few spare moments today, you can learn more and educate others so that more lives can be saved in time:

Take the Save The Children interactive quiz to test what you know about Pneumonia.

Once you've got the facts down, the Global Coalition Against Pneumonia has a pledge that anyone, including you, can sign to fight Pneumonia with global awareness.

There are events going on all around the world Today to advocate an end to this global killer. Check out the World Pneumonia Day Web site to see what activities are happening near you.

Want more facts and actions? Check out Causecast's list for even more stats and things you can do.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot