This year, the Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) observed World Pneumonia Day through a series of awareness activities and campaigns across Bangladesh, reaffirming our commitment to pneumonia prevention, public awareness, and child health protection.

Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Yet in Bangladesh, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five, claiming around 24,000 young lives each year. Although the disease is both preventable and treatable, far too many children continue to lose their lives to it globally.

To mark the day, awareness camps were set up at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute (BSHI), Kumudini Women's Medical College and Hospital, and Dr. MR Khan Shishu Hospital & Institute of Child Health to raise awareness and educate the public on preventive practices and measures.

At BSHI and Kumudini Women's Medical College and Hospital , photo exhibitions were organized showcasing the real-life experiences of individuals affected by respiratory diseases — a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the data.

A special scientific seminar was jointly organized by CHRF and BSHI, where renowned pediatricians and scientists from across the country shared their experiences and research findings on pneumonia prevention and treatment in the context of Bangladesh. During the session, Professor Samir K. Saha, Executive Director of CHRF, called on everyone to unite and work together to solve Bangladesh’s health challenges highlighting the power of community action in saving children’s lives.

Our goal is simple: to raise awareness about pneumonia and chronic respiratory diseases, and to remind everyone that timely vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, responsible antibiotic use, and a smoke-free environment can make a life-saving difference.

Every child deserves the right to breathe freely — and together, we can make that possible. Let’s build a future where no child dies from a preventable disease.