Pneumonia remains the deadliest infectious disease for children in India, continuing to cause high mortality despite being largely preventable and treatable, with thousands of young lives lost each year due to gaps in prevention, vaccination, early diagnosis and care. Factors such as limited healthcare access, under-immunisation and delayed treatment contribute to the persistent burden, especially among children under five. Dr Surender Kumar, Senior Consultant in Neonatology and Paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Gurugram, emphasises strengthening community health strategies, improving vaccine outreach and ensuring timely medical intervention to reduce pneumonia deaths and safeguard children’s respiratory health.