New studies reinforce Africa's need for pneumococcal vaccs

Two new studies from the Pneumococcal Awareness Council of Experts  (PACE) highlight the increased risk for children in Africa of  contracting pneumococcal disease and suffering its devastating  consequences.

The research was presented at the Sabin Vaccine Institute's 4th Regional  Pneumococcal Symposium in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to the  PACE, the results reinforce the urgent need for improving access to  life-saving vaccines and treatments throughout the continent. The South  African Ministry of Health was honored for its leadership in making it  the first country in Africa to introduce pneumococcal vaccine.

"In light of the risks and devastating consequences of pneumococcal  disease, particularly in Africa, protecting African children from this  disease is an urgent priority," said Ciro de Quadros, executive vice  president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and co-chairman of PACE. "We  urge countries in Africa and throughout the developing world to follow  South Africa's example and ensure vaccines are available to those that  need them most," he added.