Honiara, Solomon Islands | 12 November 2026. This World Pneumonia Day, families and communities across Solomon Islands are being encouraged to recognise the danger signs of childhood pneumonia, seek medical care early and take simple steps to help protect children from this serious illness.
Observed globally on 12 November, World Pneumonia Day raises awareness of pneumonia, a lung infection that can make breathing difficult and remains one of the leading infectious causes of death among children under five worldwide.
Pneumonia is a serious public health concern. Globally, more than 700,000 children under five die from pneumonia each year, despite many of these deaths being preventable through vaccination, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In Solomon Islands, where families are spread across hundreds of islands, distance, transport difficulties and access to healthcare can create additional challenges. Recognising when a child is seriously ill and seeking medical attention without delay is especially important.
Know the danger signs
Pneumonia can become life-threatening, particularly for babies and young children. Parents, caregivers and family members should seek urgent medical attention if a child shows any of these danger signs:
- Fast or difficult breathing.
- Chest pulling in when breathing.
- Unusually sleepy, weak or difficult to wake. ● Blue or grey lips or tongue.
- Unable to breastfeed, eat or drink.
These signs may indicate pneumonia or another serious childhood illness.
If a child shows any of these danger signs, take them to the nearest health facility immediately. Do not wait for their condition to get worse.
Preventing pneumonia and protecting children
There are simple steps families can take to help reduce the risk of pneumonia and other childhood respiratory infections.
Keeping children’s vaccinations up to date, supporting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, providing good nutrition, practising regular handwashing and reducing exposure to cigarette smoke and indoor cooking smoke can all help protect children’s health.
Parents, fathers, grandparents and other family members all have a role to play in recognising illness, making decisions quickly and helping children reach medical care when needed.
Why early treatment and medical oxygen matter
Severe pneumonia can cause dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood. This may not always be obvious, which is why healthcare workers use a small device called a pulse oximeter to check a child’s oxygen levels.
Children with dangerously low oxygen levels may need medical oxygen alongside other appropriate treatment. When provided and monitored by trained healthcare workers, oxygen can be lifesaving.
Reliable access to medical oxygen is particularly important for health facilities serving remote and island communities.
Since 2023, 482 children have received oxygen treatment supported by FREO2 Foundation’s oxygen systems in Solomon Islands, with seven remote health facilities currently benefiting from FREO2-enabled oxygen services.
FREO2 works alongside local healthcare teams and partners to strengthen access to reliable oxygen, supporting efforts to ensure children and other patients can receive essential treatment when they need it.
A shared responsibility to save lives
This World Pneumonia Day, FREO2 Foundation is joining the global call to prevent avoidable childhood pneumonia deaths by raising awareness, encouraging early care-seeking and supporting access to essential treatment.
The message to every parent, caregiver and community is simple:
KNOW THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY. SAVE LIVES.
If your child is struggling to breathe or showing other danger signs, seek medical care immediately. Early action can save lives.
Media Interviews Available
To mark World Pneumonia Day, FREO2 Foundation’s Solomon Islands Country Manager, Dr Divi Ogaoga, is available for radio, television and media interviews.
Dr Divi can discuss childhood pneumonia awareness, the importance of recognising danger signs and seeking treatment early, and the role of reliable medical oxygen in supporting healthcare across Solomon Islands.
To arrange an interview or request further information:
- Dr Divi Ogaoga
- divi@freo2.org
- +677 75 13627
About FREO2 Foundation
FREO2 Foundation is a global not-for-profit organisation working to improve access to reliable medical oxygen in underserved healthcare settings. Through practical technologies, technical support, health worker training and partnerships with local healthcare systems, FREO2 aims to make essential oxygen services more accessible and sustainable. Website: www.freo2.org
