The Lancet: Pneumonia: a global cause without champions
Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children U.K., and Devi Sridhar, co-investigator on the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health at the University of Edinburgh

“…Why has childhood pneumonia achieved such limited traction on the health agendas of governments and the international community? We believe three inter-related and mutually reinforcing factors are at play. First, the limited progress achieved in combating pneumonia reflects the wider failure of health systems to place equity and the needs of the most marginalized at the center of strategies for delivering on the 2030 [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)]. … Second, middle-class and more affluent constituencies with the strongest political voice in shaping health priorities are insulated from pneumonia risks. … Third, action and global campaigning on pneumonia have been constrained by complexity. … An international summit on pneumonia with a remit to galvanize and support national policies could change this picture not only by turning the spotlight on a largely invisible killer but also by building the coalitions and public-private partnerships needed to drive a breakthrough…” (9/1).