GlaxoSmithKline celebrates 2015 World Pneumonia day

Keeping up with its commitment to improve quality of human life, to enable people to do more, feel better and live longer, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals joined the rest of the world to mark the 2015 World Pneumonia Day in Abuja.

L-R: Cluster Medical Lead, GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Olakunle Oladehin; Wife of the Senate President & Founder Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Her Excellency, Mrs Toyin Saraki; Chairman Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Disease, Sen. Mao Ohhuabunwa at the commemoration of the 2015 World Pneumonia Day in Abuja Thursday

While delivering his keynote address at the event which was themed, Enhancing Child’s Health through Pneumonia Protection, Prevention and Treatment, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Mohammed commended the organizers of the and encouraged all stakeholders to continue the fight against Pneumonia.

Dr. Mohammed urged parents and guardians to encourage their children partake in the vaccines provided by the government; while also encouraging mothers to breastfeed their infants and ensure that they maintain proper hygiene.

He added “When vaccines are available, free and potent, only then can we prevent and control pneumonia completely.”

Speaking at the event, Cluster Medical Lead, Sub-Saharan Africa, GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Olakunle Oladehin observed that this year’s theme was in line with GlaxoSmithKline’s core diligence and commitment to providing affordable, potent and readily available vaccines to prevent and treat pneumonia.

Oladehin noted that, “GSK has always been in the forefront in the prevention and treatment of Pneumonia. We have a great range of Pneumococcal vaccines and we will continue to expand the ranges in order to stamp out Pneumonia or reduce it to a minimum.’’

He observed that Pneumonia was a leading cause of child mortality and urged relevant authorities to join forces and fiercely combat the disease.

Speaking in the same vein, wife of the Senate President and Founder, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki expressed optimism that Pneumonia would be eradicated if children had access to treatment.

Saraki noted that, “Currently, Pneumonia and Diarrhoea account for 29 per cent of all under-5 deaths and result in the loss of 2 million lives each year.  I do believe that the Integrated and Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of Pneumonia by 2025 is achievable, if and only if every child is given access to proven and appropriate preventive treatment measures.”

The World Pneumonia Day is an annual global event that holds every November 12, to raise awareness about Pneumonia, the world’s leading killer of children under age 5; promote interventions to prevent and treat Pneumonia; and generate action to combat it.