Pneumococcal disease threat in Africa

Two new studies from the Pneumococcal Awareness Council of Experts highlight the increased risk for children in Africa of contracting  pneumococcal disease and suffering its devastating consequences. The  studies were presented at the USA-based Sabin Vaccine Institute's Fourth  Regional Pneumococcal Symposium in Johannesburg, South Africa. According  to the PACE, the findings reinforce the urgent need for improving access  to life-saving vaccines and treatments throughout the continent. The  South African Ministry of Health was congratulated for its leadership in  making South Africa the first country in Africa to introduce  pneumococcal vaccine (Marketletter September 21, 2008)

Cirode Quadros, executive vice president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute  and co-chairman of the PACE, said: "in light of the risks and  devastating consequences of pneumococcal disease, particularly in  Africa, protecting African children from this disease is an urgent  priority. 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."