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Foundation supports the Pneumococcal Awareness Council of Experts initiative
10 September 2007
Meningitis Research Foundation is pleased to be supporting the Pneumococcal Awareness Council of Experts (PACE) initiative, a group of leading experts from 12 countries who are working to raise awareness and understanding of pneumococcal disease and advocate for its prevention.
Pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal meningitis, is a leading infectious killer of children and adults worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, this preventable disease kills 1.6 million people, including more than 800,000 children under age five. Despite its enormous impact, awareness of this illness and its burden remains low.
Financing for new vaccines has served as an obstacle for low-income countries, but recent commitments of more than $1.5 billion for pneumococcal vaccine through the GAVI Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) have provided a unique opportunity for countries. This, coupled with the WHO's recent policy recommendation for the vaccine's use, means that countries have an unprecedented opportunity to protect their children from this deadly disease.
It is estimated that with increased awareness and a resulting commitment to purchase and deliver pneumococcal vaccines to the world's children, 5.4 million children's lives can be saved by 2030.
Pneumococcal disease is serious, common and preventable. This is why Meningitis Research Foundation has signed on as a PACE partner and is demonstrating our support for taking action to help save 5.4 million children's lives.
Media Contact: Julia Warren 01454 281811 or 07711 057875