6 January 2013, Kabul – The Ministry of Public Health, Afghanistan celebrated the World Pneumonia Day on 06 January 2013 in Kabul. This year’s World Pneumonia Day in Afghanistan focused around the WHO/UNICEF Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia. Celebration of this day was rescheduled to occur in winter when the incidence of pneumonia are the highest in Afghanistan.

H.E. Dr Najia Tariq, Deputy Minister of Public Health, said that, as per statistics provided by the Health Management Information System, around 680 346 cases of pneumonia had been referred to the health centres for treatment all over in Afghanistan, and out of which 413 715 had been under 5 years of age.

Dr Adela Mubasher, WHO National Professional Officer, said that World Pneumonia Day helps to bring this important health issue to the public’s attention and encourages policy-makers and grass-root organizers alike to combat the disease.

Related link

Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia