Observed on 12 November 2025, World Pneumonia Day focuses on the deadliest infectious disease of childhood. Below are citable visuals—built from WHO/UNICEF data—showing where the burden is highest, why newborns need special protection, and how PCV vaccination coverage is trending worldwide.
Official date: 12 November. Coalition for Child Pneumonia • WHO event listing
Why it matters in 2025
- >700,000 children under 5 die from pneumonia every year—about 2,000/day. UNICEF DATA
- Most deaths are preventable with PCV vaccination, good nutrition, clean air, timely care, and oxygen therapy. WHO fact sheet • UNICEF oxygen
- Burden is heaviest in South Asia and West & Central Africa. UNICEF DATA
At a glance — Regions with the heaviest burden
Schematic mini-map highlights regions with the highest pneumonia burden among children (infographic-style, not a geo projection).
Chart 1 — Where are children most affected?
Incidence of pneumonia per 100,000 children (latest UNICEF compilation). Global ≈ 1,400; South Asia ≈ 2,500; West & Central Africa ≈ 1,620. Source
Show data table
| Region | Incidence per 100,000 children |
|---|---|
| Global | 1400 |
| South Asia | 2500 |
| West & Central Africa | 1620 |
| Other Regions (illustrative, lower than global avg) | 900 |
Chart 2 — Newborns carry a heavy share
Of the >700,000 annual under-5 pneumonia deaths, about 190,000 occur in the first month of life (newborn period). UNICEF explainer
PCV vaccination coverage is the game-changer
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) prevent severe bacterial pneumonia. Coverage trends are tracked in the WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC). The sparkline below uses the global PCV3 coverage (%) for 2015–2024 processed by Our World in Data from WUENIC (updated 15 July 2025).
Explore official series: WUENIC Dashboard • Data page: OWID PCV3 coverage
What works (and where progress is advancing)
- PCV vaccination: Continued introductions/expansions reflected in rising global PCV3 coverage. Coverage dashboard
- Oxygen systems: Strengthening oxygen therapy in hospitals substantially reduces in-facility pneumonia deaths. UNICEF Oxygen
- Clean air & nutrition: Cutting household air pollution and tackling malnutrition lower risk and severity. WHO
Further reading & sources
UNICEF DATA – Pneumonia in children • WHO Fact Sheet • UNICEF – Oxygen & respiratory care • WUENIC Dashboard (PCV3 coverage) • OWID PCV3 dataset
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