Ensure vaccinations: a priority to combat childhood pneumonia

Infantile pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death among children under five years of age globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this preventable disease kills nearly 2,000 children every day, which equates to one child dying every 45 seconds. Although there are effective vaccines to prevent it, pneumonia disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention and treatment resources is limited.

Infantile Pneumonia: A Silent and Preventable Emergency

In 2019, pneumonia killed 2.5 million people, including 600,000 children under the age of five. The disease that affects the lungs and disrupts the respiratory system finds its main risk factors in pollution.

air, nutrition, lack of drinking water and adequate hygiene conditions, as well as exposure to tobacco smoke. These factors increase children's vulnerability, especially in the first months of life, when 30% of child deaths are due to pneumonia.

Embargo of sin, this tragedy can be prevented. The pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective way to protect children from this disease. In addition, improving access to basic health services and promoting a safe and healthy environment are key measures to reduce incidence.

La Caixa Foundation and its commitment to childhood vaccination

For more than 15 years, Fundación “la Caixa” has been working to reduce child mortality through vaccination programs in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This alliance has helped protect 10 million children from pneumonia and other preventable diseases.

In 2008, the Foundation became Gavin's first private partner in Europe, creating the Infant Immunization Alliance, an initiative that engages companies and citizens through corporate social responsibility and philanthropic programs. Also, thanks to the Adaptation Fund, implemented in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, every donation earmarked for infant vaccination is multiplied by four, maximizing its impact.

ISGlobal's role in the fight against infantile pneumonia

Another key ally in this mission is the Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), which collaborates as a strategic partner of the Business Alliance for Infant Immunization. With a distinguished background in maternal and infant health, ISGlobal brings its scientific expertise to ensure the effectiveness of interventions. He is currently part of the Gavi Council representing Civil Society Organisations, underscoring his commitment to fighting preventable diseases such as pneumonia.

Que salvan vidas results

The influence of these alliances is reflected in communities all over the world. Since its inception, the Infant Immunization Alliance has made a significant contribution to reducing child mortality in high-poverty countries. Vaccines not only save lives, but also improve health and reduce the economic and emotional burden on families.

Fundación “la Caixa”'s commitment to infant vaccination is an example of how collaboration between public, private and civil organizations can make a significant difference in global health.

Preventable, desafío alcánzable

A pesar de los avances, millions of children still lack essential vaccines, including those that protect against pneumonia. Providing this access is key to reversing the course of disease and ensuring that every child, regardless of where they are born, grows up in safe and healthy conditions.

La Fundación “la Caixa” reaffirms its commitment to work for more children to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, while continuing its efforts to fight infantile pneumonia, which, although preventable, continues to threaten millions of families.

Hagia un fturo más salamudable

Immunizing babies not only saves lives, but also strengthens communities and contributes to building a more just future. Initiatives such as the Infant Immunization Alliance and collaborations with strategic partners such as Gavi and ISGlobal show that with collective will it is possible to eradicate diseases that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

The challenge is great, but the effect of each vaccine administered reaffirms that we are on the right track.