Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute (BSHI), Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF), and Bangladesh Neonatal Forum (BNF) jointly observed World Pneumonia Day 2025 through a series of awareness and educational programmes, said a press release.
Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five worldwide. The disease is caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the respiratory system. Despite being preventable, a child dies from pneumonia every 39 seconds globally. In Bangladesh, around 24,000 children under five die each year from pneumonia.
According to data from Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute (BSHI), nearly 20 percent of its admitted patients are children suffering from pneumonia.
Experts emphasise that regular immunization, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, rational use of antibiotics, proper hygiene practices, and ensuring a smoke-free and safe environment can significantly reduce pneumonia-related child mortality.
World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on 12 November to raise global awareness about the disease and its prevention. In line with global observance, various programmes were held across Bangladesh.
This year, BSHI, CHRF, and BNF jointly celebrated the day through a range of activities aimed at reaffirming their commitment to pneumonia prevention, public awareness, and child health protection.
At the BSHI premises, a public awareness rally and a photo exhibition camp were organised, where medical experts provided advice to the public on pneumonia prevention and treatment.
Leaflets were distributed, and awareness campaigns were conducted through social media and other outreach activities. The photo exhibition depicted real-life images of people suffering from respiratory diseases, highlighting the importance of timely prevention and care.
A special scientific seminar was held at the hospital auditorium, where eminent pediatricians and researchers from across the country shared their experiences and research findings on pneumonia prevention and treatment in the context of Bangladesh.
The day’s activities at BSHI were inaugurated by Professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque, Chairman, Management Board, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute; Professor Dr Mahbubul Haque, Director, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, and President, Bangladesh Neonatal Forum; and Professor Dr Samir Kumar Saha, Executive Director, Child Health Research Foundation.
Also present on the occasion were Professor Dr Mohammad Monir Hossain, Head of Pediatric Medicine and Head of Pediatrics and Neonatal Medicine (Neonatology), Member of the Management Board and Academic Coordinator, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute;
Professor Dr Jahangir Alam, Head of Respiratory Medicine Department, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute; Professor Dr ARM Lutful Kabir, Chief Advisor, Bangladesh Pediatric Pulmonology Forum; Professor Dr Md Atiar Rahman, President, Bangladesh Pediatric Pulmonology Forum; Professor Dr Md Mojibur Rahman, General Secretary, Bangladesh Neonatal Forum; and Associate Professor Dr Rowshan Jahan, General Pediatrics, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, and Member of the Management Board.
Officials and staff members of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute and Child Health Research Foundation were also present at the event.
