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To mark World Pneumonia Day, the United Arab Emirates joined the global Pneumolight Campaign to raise awareness of the ongoing global battle against pneumonia, one of the leading causes of death among children under five worldwide.
As part of the initiative, the UAE lit up several of its most prominent landmarks as a symbolic gesture of hope and a call to action.
The global campaign witnessed 362 iconic monuments in 38 countries illuminated in blue, highlighting the need for greater awareness, education, and action to combat pneumonia, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.
The UAE’s participation in the Pneumolight Campaign is a clear reminder of the need to prioritize pneumonia on the global health agenda and to work collectively to reduce its impact.
Dr Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, stated on this occasion, “The UAE remains committed to addressing global health challenges, and our participation in the Pneumolight Campaign is a testament to our dedication to fighting pneumonia. As we illuminate our landmarks tonight, we stand in solidarity with the international community to raise awareness and take action to combat and treat this deadly disease. Through cooperation and sustained commitment, we can work towards a world where no child dies from preventable pneumonia.”
Dr Catia Cillóniz, Coordinator of the Pneumolight Campaign, said, “Pneumonia is a treatable and preventable disease; raising awareness about the risk of pneumonia is crucial to fight against pneumonia.”
The UAE has long been at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts, particularly in health. Through partnerships with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and the Red Cross, the UAE supports healthcare initiatives aimed at strengthening health systems, improving access to vaccines, and raising awareness about preventable diseases such as pneumonia.
As part of the UAE’s broader commitment to global health equity, the country supports initiatives such as the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea, which aims to reduce child deaths from pneumonia through effective, coordinated efforts across governments, the private sector, and civil society.