11 Nov ASTMH calls attention to World Pneumonia Day
Deerfield, IL – November 10, 2010 – The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene joins the global community in observing the second annual World Pneumonia Day on November 12. Pneumonia kills more children under five years of age than any other disease — stealing a child’s life every 20 seconds. Approximately 1.6 million children die from pneumonia each year, with the vast majority of these needless deaths occurring in developing countries. Pneumonia is one of the most solvable problems in global health. We have the safe, effective and affordable tools necessary to help prevent children from contracting pneumonia, and to treat those suffering with this illness. By dedicating an international day to world pneumonia, it draws attention to a problem that we can solve. The fight against pneumonia is winnable. Estimates indicate that more than one million children’s lives can be saved annually with widespread use of vaccines and improved access to antibiotics. Join ASTMH and its national and international partners to ensure that pneumonia becomes a priority on the global health agenda. Let’s work to put an end to the need for World Pneumonia Day.
About the ASTMH: The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, founded in 1903, is a worldwide organization of scientists, clinicians and program professionals whose mission is to promote global health through the prevention and control of infectious and other diseases that disproportionately afflict the global poor.
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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