World Pneumonia Day

There seems to be a day for everything these days but I think that the 12th of November is particularly important to highlight as pneumonia is one of those diseases that slips through the cracks, and yet most of the deaths from this disease are in developing countries.  When I found this out at work today I was quite shocked as I have never really heard that before though I have known people who have had it.  I think a lot of the times, especially in hot countries, pneumonia seems counterintuitive.  Even though it is an oxymoron, it occurs nonetheless. We need to pay even more attention to it as it is linked to diseases like HIV/AIDS and TB.

Check out the site for Word Pneumonia Day.  What I love about it is that it features the people working on the ground to fight the disease rather than just pictures of helpless faces.  Not only that, but the people from Africa are highlighted positively and are not just the face of the disease but also the face of the help being given already. Showcased are a Doctor from Nigeria and two female Doctors, one from Uganda the other from Pakistan.  I like the fact that it shows that we from the developing world are not solely problems but are actively part of solutions.

Here is an article about how Pneumonia in the African context.

Also check out the GAVI Alliance, an organisation that is striving to introduce pneumococcal (yes that is a real word) vaccines to over 40 countries by 2015.

I will leave you with this very silly and refreshing video from GAVI highlighting the day and calling for action.