As the globe marked World Pneumonia Day, Sanofi strengthens its commitment in the fight against pneumonia through continuous partnerships, and developing of therapeutic solutions that are focused on patients’ needs.
Fifen Inoussas, medical director, Sanofi Nigeria and Ghana, says that paediatrics is a priority for Africa as 50 percent of global infant mortality occurs on this continent. The Sanofi Pediatric Initiative, Inoussas, corresponds to strong desire to reinforce the company’s commitment to child healthcare through increased health education and awareness of pneumonia.
Estelle Dogbo, product manager at Sanofi, points out that the Initiative, which adapts healthcare offer to children, relies on three commitments – development of medicines and vaccines, provision of quality medical information and dedicated training to healthcare professionals by way of continual medical education programmes and deployment of awareness campaign.
Adebiyi Olowu, president, Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), states that though pneumonia is one of the preventable diseases, it is essential that parents, guardians and caregivers take essential precautions to ensure good health-seeking behaviour.
Olowu however calls on government, relevant agencies and stakeholders to make concerted efforts that would significantly improve on the health of children.
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World Pneumonia Day provides an annual forum for the world to stand together and demand action in the fight against pneumonia. More than 100 organisations representing the interests of children joined forces as the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia to hold the first World Pneumonia Day on November 2, 2009.
Pneumonia is a preventable and treatable disease that sickens 155 million children under five and kills 1.6 million each year. This makes pneumonia the number one killer of children under five. World Pneumonia Day helps to bring this health crisis to the public’s attention and encourages policy makers and grassroots organisers alike to combat the disease.
Alexander Chiejina
