World Pneumonia Day highlights importance of every breath

Mangaliso Kabulika

ZIMBABWE yesterday joined the global community to mark World Pneumonia Day.

The day calls for action against the inflammatory respiratory disorder which is caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

It ran under the theme ‘Every breath counts. Stop pneumonia in its tracks’.

The World Health Organisation states that pneumonia is the biggest infectious killer of adults and children worldwide.

It is responsible for the majority of deaths among children below the age of five. Inflammation of the lungs impairs breathing.

In Zimbabwe, pneumonia is responsible for 9.95 percent of total deaths, with 10 779 fatalities linked to the disease.

Health experts recommend early detection and prevention measures to avoid complications.

“It is essential that we work together to implement preventive measures and ensure timely treatment to reverse this worrying trend.

“Early recognition of pneumonia symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain and fever is crucial for obtaining prompt treatment.

“By educating the public about these signs, we can help individuals seek medical attention promptly and reduce pneumonia-related complications,” said a health practitioner.