UNICEF: Pneumonia vaccine fights top killer of children in Rwanda

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/rwanda_56220.html

NYAMATA, Rwanda, 27 September 2010 -- It has been a little over a year since Rwanda introduced a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine known as PCV7. The vaccine protects children against one of the most common causes of pneumonia -- with encouraging results.

In Nyamata, located in Rwanda's Bugesera district about an hour from the capital city of Kigali, both residents and health workers admit that a significant change has taken place.

"The rate of hospitalization for pneumonia amongst infants has declined," said Dr. Dariya Mukamusoni, the director of Nyamata's hospital, adding however that as the vaccine was introduced just one year ago its full impact "is still difficult to evaluate."

She stressed that the more educated parents are, the less likely is it that their children will contract pneumonia. Rwanda introduced PCV7 in April 2009 with support from UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) as well as a generous donation from Wyeth Corporation. UNICEF, GAVI and other partners work with the Rwandan Ministry of Health to strengthen systems for child health delivery.

This, in turn, has enabled Rwanda to be amongst the first developing countries to benefit from PCV7.

Many private partners are also working to deliver vaccines where they are most needed, helping countries make strides to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal related to child health. Earlier this year, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced it would make an investment of $10 billion in the next 10 years towards immunization.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• GAVI
• 9330
• Rwanda
• pneumonia
• immunization
• health
• children

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