Ministry of Health reaffirms commitment to ending Childhood deaths caused by Pneumonia ahead of World Pneumonia Day
SIAYA, Kenya, Nov 7 –The Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to ending childhood deaths caused by pneumonia through strengthened prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment interventions, as Kenya prepares to commemorate World Pneumonia Day on 12th November 2025 in Siaya County.
Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, represented by Dr. Stephen Muleshe emphasised that pneumonia remains the leading infectious killer of children under five years, despite being both preventable and treatable.
He underscored the need for increased public awareness, timely care-seeking, and expanded access to lifesaving interventions such as oxygen therapy and essential medicines. Dr Amoth noted that this year’s theme “Defeat Pneumonia: Every Breath Counts; Every Action Matters” reflects the Ministry’s renewed focus on integrated strategies to reduce child morbidity and mortality.
It includes promoting early diagnosis, strengthening health worker capacity, and ensuring that pneumonia prevention and management are embedded across all levels of the health system.
Dr Amoth highlighted Kenya’s significant progress in combating pneumonia through immunisation, community case management, newborn illness management and the implementation of national policies that prioritise child health and survival.
He reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to build on these gains by deepening partnerships and scaling up evidence-based interventions.
Additionally, He further called upon county governments, development partners, and health stakeholders to continue supporting collaborative programmes that advance pneumonia prevention and control, noting that sustained investment in child health is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The upcoming World Pneumonia Day commemoration in Siaya County will bring together national and county leaders, health professionals, and partners to review progress, share innovations, and reaffirm Kenya’s collective commitment to ensuring that every child survives and thrives.
