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Many people associate pneumonia with the elderly, but it is actually the biggest infectious killer of children worldwide. Every year, it claims the lives of more than 725,000 children under the age of 5, including around 190,000 newborns, who are particularly vulnerable to infection.  Every day, at least one child dies every 43 seconds from…, What causes pneumonia?, Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs. It doesn’t have one single cause – it can develop from either bacteria, viruses or fungi in the air. When a child is infected, their lungs are filled with fluid and it becomes difficult to breathe. Children whose immune systems are immature (i.e. newborns) or weakened – such as by…, What are pneumonia symptoms?, As pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, the most common symptoms are coughing, trouble breathing and fever. Children with pneumonia usually experience fast breathing, or their lower chest may draw in or retract when they inhale (in a healthy person, the chest expands during inhalation)., Is pneumonia contagious?, Pneumonia is contagious and can be spread through airborne particles (a cough or sneeze). It can also be spread through other fluids, like blood during childbirth, or from contaminated surfaces., How is pneumonia diagnosed in children?, Health workers can diagnose pneumonia through a physical exam, including checking for abnormal breathing patterns and listening to the child’s lungs. Sometimes they may use chest x-rays or blood tests for diagnosis. In countries without strong health care systems (i.e. few doctors, lack of access to chest x-rays and laboratories), health workers…, What are pneumonia treatments?, The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia. In developing countries, a large number of pneumonia cases is caused by bacteria and can be treated with low cost antibiotics. Yet many children with pneumonia do not receive the antibiotics they need because they lack access to quality health care. Other causes of pneumonia are viruses…, What role can oxygen play in pneumonia treatment?  , Oxygen is an essential and life-saving treatment for children and newborns suffering from severe pneumonia. That’s because the inflammation of their lungs prevents enough oxygen from entering their bloodstream.  Access to oxygen has for a long time been unavailable to those who need it. In many countries without strong health systems, oxygen is…, What can be done to prevent pneumonia?, Pneumonia can be prevented in the first place by increasing protective measures, such as adequate nutrition, and by reducing risk factors like air pollution (which makes the lungs more vulnerable to infection) and using good hygiene practices. Studies have shown that improved handwashing with soap reduces the risk of pneumonia by lowering exposure…, Is there a pneumonia vaccine?, Pneumonia caused by bacteria is easily preventable with vaccines. However, 40 per cent of children around the world are not fully protected with the primary vaccine to prevent pneumonia – the Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine. In addition, other vaccines such as Diphteria-Tetanus-Pertussis and measles-containing vaccines and Hemophilus Influenza B (Hib)…, Where are the most children dying from pneumonia?, The countries with the largest number of child pneumonia deaths are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Child deaths from pneumonia are concentrated in the world’s poorest countries. Within these countries, it is the most deprived and marginalized children who suffer the most. They often have limited or no access to basic health services…, How does air pollution factor into pneumonia?, Air pollution can significantly increase the risk of respiratory infection, including pneumonia. Almost half of all pneumonia deaths are attributable to air pollution.   The climate crisis is a child rights crisis and poses a serious threat to children’s health and well-being. Outdoor air pollution is a risk to children, especially with growing…, How big a factor is malnutrition in pneumonia related deaths?   , Wasting is the leading risk factor for deaths from pneumonia among children. It’s the most visible and life-threatening form of malnutrition. When a child is too thin and their immune systems are weak, they’re far more vulnerable to diseases like pneumonia. Wasting tends to occur very early in life and disproportionately impacts children under 2…, What is needed to stop pneumonia? , Swift action is required to ensure that no child dies from pneumonia and other preventable or treatable diseases.   That response requires reducing risk factors, protecting children’s immune system and ensuring access to good-quality health care, free at the point of use, with well trained and equipped health workers to all children. Preventing…

Misconduct undermines the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of UNICEF, threatening our ability to meet the needs of children worldwide. All UNICEF personnel – regardless of how they're contracted or where they're stationed – are expected to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Those…, What to report, Sexual exploitation or abuse, In every context in which UNICEF operates, people trust us to assist and protect them. The vast majority of aid workers do so with professionalism and integrity. However, some abuse their position of power through the sexual exploitation or abuse of those who depend on them, including children. Sexual exploitation refers to any actual or attempted…, Sexual harassment in the workplace, Our mission to support children requires a workplace that supports staff. But UNICEF is not yet that workplace for every member of our team. Each year, individuals come forward to share experiences of sexual harassment. We know our measures to prevent this have not reached all corners of our working environment. And one case is one too many. Help…, Abuse of authority, Abuse of authority entails the improper use of a position of influence, power or authority against another person. It may also include behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, such as intimidation, threats, blackmail or coercion. In the workplace, this is particularly serious when affecting the career or psychological safety…, Fraud or corruption, Worldwide, UNICEF is entrusted with voluntary contributions from governments, businesses and philanthropists seeking to protect children’s rights. We're determined to make every dollar count, and to share openly UNICEF Transparency Portal where our funds come from , UNICEF Transparency Portal where they go , and UNICEF Annual Report what they…, Discrimination or racism, Since its inception, UNICEF has stood firmly against discrimination and racism. But we are not immune. Our personnel relay experiences of discrimination and racism, still, perpetrated by peers. They speak up about hurtful and disrespectful actions that betray our most fundamental values.  We will not accept this. UNICEF has one of the most diverse…, Harassment or bullying, Harassment in the workplace can take many forms – words, gestures or actions that tend to alarm, intimidate or belittle another person, including bullying. Overall, any unwelcome conduct that might be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another may constitute harassment, especially when it interferes with work or creates an…, Conflict of interest, A conflict of interest arises when, by act or omission, staff members’ personal interests cause them to discharge their official duties and responsibilities in a manner inconsistent with the interests of UNICEF.  UNICEF recognizes that engagement in outside activities may enhance personal well-being and professional development, even to the…, Retaliation, All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service; and any of UNICEF’s regulations, rules and internal policies, to officials formally designated to receive such reports by UNICEF or the UN. Anyone who submits such a report has…, All other concerns, For issues related to performance management, interpersonal conflicts or other workplace concerns, learn where to turn. UNICEF provides confidential informal and formal channels for seeking guidance, support and resolution. How to report -->, How to report, UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations, The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) conducts independent, fact-based investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud and other violations of UNICEF rules, regulations and policies. OIAI’s mission is to investigate reports of misconduct with professionalism, impartiality and fairness towards all parties, as well as to ensure…, UNICEF Ethics Office, The Ethics Office nurtures a culture of integrity and accountability to enhance trust in and credibility within UNICEF and the UN system. Founded on independence, impartiality and confidentiality, this team is responsible for providing advice and guidance, training and outreach, and policy input. They also administer UNICEF’s Policy on Whistle-…, UNICEF Human Resources, UNICEF's Division of Human Resources works with HR practitioners, partners and clients globally to ensure that UNICEF personnel are provided with the work environment and support they need to give their best for every child. HR supports personnel with conduct-related matters by issuing and advising on relevant policies and procedures (including…, Office of the Ombudsmen for United Nations Funds and Programmes, The Office of the Ombudsmen offers dedicated, informal dispute-resolution services to all UNICEF personnel, in addition to personnel from UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women. The office is a strictly confidential and neutral place to discuss workplace issues and explore options for addressing conflicts. It operates independently from UNICEF…, Know your rights when reporting wrongs, Right to be protected against retaliation, UNICEF’s policy on whistle-blower protections sets out measures against retaliation for individuals who report misconduct, provide information in good faith on alleged wrongdoing, or cooperate with an authorized inspection.  All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards…, Right to report confidentially, All UNICEF personnel have the right to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially. Reports made to the Ethics Office and the Office of the Ombudsmen are strictly confidential and will not be shared without your express consent. The Office of Internal Audit and Investigation operates under need-to-know confidentiality, meaning the information you…, Right to receive support, If you’re seeking encouragement through the reporting process, or guidance to better understand our duty to report, you’re not alone. UNICEF staff worldwide have teamed up as Peer Support Volunteers, Staff Representatives and Ethics Champions to provide informal and confidential support to colleagues who may have experienced, or suspect they’ve…, UNICEF's work to prevent wrongdoing, FAQs, I’m not ready to report, but I’d like informal guidance. Where can I go? Can I report anonymously? Are whistle-blowers protected from retaliation?  What should I do if I believe I’ve been retaliated against? Where can I find annual reports from UNICEF’s Ethics Office? Where can I find more information on UNICEF's efforts to prevent wrongdoing in…

El Cid Butuyan, El Cid Butuyan, Director of Ethics © UNICEF El Cid Butuyan, Director of Ethics Office El Cid Butuyan assumed his duties as Director of Ethics Office on 8 February 2021. Previous to UNICEF, Mr. Butuyan spent over fifteen years at the World Bank where he led on integrity and legal issues. He also worked as the Integrity Lead in the Green Climate…, Resources for the press, Media contacts See UNICEF's range media contacts, available as communications resources for press colleagues. Press centre Browse our extensive resources for journalists and media, showcasing UNICEF's efforts around the world. Experts Talk to our leading experts, available for commentary on child health, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation,…, More UNICEF to explore

LONDON/ NEW YORK, 11 November 2020 – Severe pneumonia leaves an estimated 4.2 million children under the age of five in 124 low- and middle-income countries with critically low oxygen levels each year, new analysis from UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Save the Children and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) has revealed…

Geneva/ New York, 16 June 2020 – Lower-income countries across the world will now be able to access life-saving pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, which protect against the leading cause of pneumonia, for US$ 2 per dose, thanks to a new supply agreement between UNICEF, Gavi’s procurement partner, and the Serum Institute of India (SII). The new price…

For over 70 years, UNICEF has attracted generations of talented, committed women and men around the globe to serve the needs of children and young people. Like any large, decentralized organization, our culture must reflect our mission. There is no separation.  Learn about UNICEF's journey to build a more ethical, inclusive and empowering…

The number of deaths among children under the age of 5 has decreased by half since 1990. In 2018, an estimated 802,000 children under-five died of pneumonia. Of those, 153,000 (19 per cent) died within their first month of life. This brief report – published jointly by UNICEF, Save the Children, and Every Breath Counts – presents the causes of…

Every year, pneumonia claims the lives of more than 800,000 children under the age of five worldwide. In Nigeria, the disease was responsible for an estimated 162,000 child deaths in 2018 alone – the highest number in the world. Pneumonia is easily preventable with access to vaccines, and readily treatable with low-cost antibiotics. Strong primary…

BARCELONA, Spain, 29 January 2020 - "Thirty-nine seconds. "Every 39 seconds, a child dies from pneumonia. "Out of every five child deaths, pneumonia causes one. "That’s more than malaria, HIV, measles and tetanus combined. "Last year alone, pneumonia claimed the lives of more than 800,000 children under the age of five years. "Of these, an…

BARCELONA, 29 January 2020 — Boosting efforts to fight pneumonia could avert nearly 9 million child deaths from pneumonia and other major diseases, a new analysis has found ahead of the first ever global forum on childhood pneumonia in Barcelona (January 29-31). According to a modelling by Johns Hopkins University, scaling up pneumonia treatment…

WHY:  Pneumonia claimed the lives of 800,000 children under the age of five in 2018, or one child every 39 seconds. That was more than any other disease. Yet pneumonia remains largely forgotten. WHAT: On January 29-31, nine leading health and children’s organisations – ISGlobal, Save the Children, UNICEF, Every Breath Counts, the Bill &…

  LONDON/NEW YORK/BARCELONA, November 12, 2019 —Pneumonia claimed the lives of more than 800,000 children under the age of five last year, or one child every 39 seconds, according to a new analysis. Most deaths occurred among children under the age of two, and almost 153,000 within the first month of life. [1] Sounding the alarm about this…