Pneumonia is the single biggest infectious killer of children under-5 worldwide. While global health systems have made strides to combat pneumonia, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging progress towards a world free of pneumonia-related deaths. COVID-19 has the potential to increase all causes of pneumonia deaths by 2 million, so it is more important than ever to strengthen health systems and services to protect children against pneumonia, prevent infection, and treat children with appropriate and adequate care.

What can we do to reduce pneumonia-related deaths worldwide? In low- and middle-income countries, community health volunteers (CHVs) play a crucial role. Through home visits and group interactions, their essential actions protect children and families from pneumonia and its devastating effects.