Scientific experts from around the world came together for the International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) in Glasgow, Scotland on June 26-30. Out of their scholarly plenaries and meetings came five insights about pneumococcal pneumonia that advocates should know.
We are spotlighting the pneumonia-related work that coalition members and partners are spearheading to communicate to policymakers in donor countries. By illustrating the power of their investments, we make a strong case for continued support and emphasize the need to prioritize pneumonia and diarrhea interventions to meet SDGs.
If you have a thriving program, an inspiring story or an unyielding advocate we could profile in a blog article and social media, please email Salma Warshanna-Sparklin at
swarsha3@jhu.edu.
Latest from WHO & UNICEF
Immunization Coverage Data
WHO and UNICEF have released their 2015 estimates of national immunization coverage. Key highlights include:
The number of unvaccinated children has dropped to an estimated 19.4 million, down from 33.8 million in 2000.
The number of countries using new vaccines such as rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has increased. WHO
Oxygen Therapy for Children: A Manual for Health Workers
WHO has published an updated manual on oxygen therapy to improve detection and management of hypoxemia, as well as treatment delivery and patient monitoring. WHO hopes the manual can increase awareness around the need for improved accessibility of oxygen therapy in low resource settings. WHO
Breastfeeding in the Context of Zika
Widespread transmission of Zika virus has raised
questions as to whether transmission can occur during breastfeeding, a practice essential to infant and young child survival and development. In the context of Zika virus, WHO stands by its recommendation to start breastfeeding within one hour of birth and to continue for the first six months of life. WHO
In The News
Pfizer Receives WHO Prequalification for Multi-Dose Vial Presentation of Prevenar 13.Pfizer
Greece: MSF Denounces High Price of Vaccines for Refugee Children.MSF
Strengthening maternal immunisation to improve the health of mothers and infants.The Lancet
From the Field
Making Numbers Count: Fighting Pneumonia in Nepal
Clinical research funded by Gavi partners at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu is helping shape Nepal's immunization policy against its biggest child killer: pneumonia. This video shows how disease burden and impact studies at Patan have guided the national introduction of Hib and pneumococcal vaccines, which protect children against the two main causes of pneumonia.
Gavi
Vaccine Introduction in Myanmar
In July, Myanmar (Burma) introduced the pneumococcal vaccine into its national immunization program. An estimated 16% of under-five deaths in Myanmar are caused by pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine, expected to benefit close to 1 million Myanmar children every year, will contribute to reducing child mortality in the country. Gavi
A simple breath test to detect pneumonia and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Medical Daily
Solar-powered oxygen system helping kids with severe pneumonia in Uganda. The Edmonton Journal
VIEW-hub
New Report
IVAC has released the June 2016 VIEW-hub Report on Global Vaccine Introduction and Implementation. The report includes new countries conducting PCV impact evaluations globally and in Gavi countries, since March 2016. More good news:
Rotavirus vaccine has been introduced in Liberia.
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) has been introduced in Argentina, Djibouti, Lesotho, Sao Tome and Principe, and Uganda. IVAC
Impact of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Conjugate Vaccines (HibCV) on Nasopharyngeal Carriage in HIV Infected Children and Their Parents from West Bengal, India. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Cost-Effectiveness and Health Benefits of Pediatric 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, 7-Valent and Forecasting 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in China. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
We're always happy to hear from you. Send an email to Salma Warshanna-Sparklin at
swarsha3@jhu.edu.
STAY CONNECTED
Established in 2009, World Pneumonia Day is marked every year on November 12th to r
aise awareness about pneumonia, the world's leading infectious killer of children under the age of five; promote interventions to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia; and generate action to combat pneumonia.
