Global Health NOW: It’s Time to Take the Air Out of Pneumonia
Keith Klugman, director of pneumonia at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“…[O]verall progress [against pneumonia] remains intolerably slow compared to other childhood diseases. … Most urgently, [pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)] must become more affordable so it can reach every child who needs it. … [W]e believe that to reach every child, pharmaceutical companies, governments, and aid donors should commit to getting this cost below $5. Additionally, when kids do fall ill, governments must ensure that oxygen therapy and antibiotics are readily available. We must continue to build awareness about pneumonia, its symptoms, and its treatments. … Especially with emerging antibiotic resistance, tackling pneumonia is an urgent priority. … [W]ith renewed commitment, we will finally take the air out of a disease that has stolen the breath of far too many” (11/13).