Every year on November 12th, the world observes World Pneumonia Day, a crucial health and humanitarian event aimed at raising awareness about one of the deadliest infectious diseases affecting children and vulnerable groups, particularly in countries with weak health and economic infrastructure.
This day was first launched in 2009 by the Childhood Pneumonia Alliance and several international health organizations, most notably Save the Children, to serve as a global platform for raising awareness, advocating for improved prevention and treatment methods, and promoting health equity.
We in the Syrian Future Movement, as we join the world in commemorating this occasion, emphasize the following:
- The importance of including pneumonia control among the public health priorities in the new Syria, especially during this transitional phase which necessitates rebuilding the national health system on scientific and humanitarian foundations.
- The necessity of launching national awareness campaigns targeting families and local communities to inform them about the symptoms of the disease, methods of prevention, and the importance of vaccinations and proper nutrition, particularly in areas that have suffered from neglect and marginalization.
- Strengthening partnerships with international organizations working in the health sector to leverage available expertise and resources, and to provide necessary support to health centers and hospitals across all governorates.
- Integrating health awareness into educational curricula and national media to instill a culture of prevention and healthcare in future generations.
- Calling on the transitional government to adopt a national plan to combat respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, that takes into account the specific needs of war-affected areas and ensures access to health services for all without discrimination.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that building the new Syria is not limited to physical reconstruction, but also includes the restoration of the Syrian people’s health, knowledge, and social well-being, and providing a safe environment that guarantees a dignified life, free from preventable diseases.
On this day, the Syrian Future Movement extends its greetings to all workers in the health sector and all those who contribute to protecting the children of Syria from the dangers of pneumonia. We affirm that the Syria of the future will be a state of health justice, equitable care, and a society that prioritizes human beings.
