DR Congo Introduces New Vaccine Against One of its Leading Causes of Child Death

Pneumococcal vaccine reaching one of Africa’s largest countries

KINSHASA, Congo -- In an effort to drastically improve the chances of children reaching their fifth birthday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) today stepped up its immunization programme by including vaccines to combat pneumonia. Initially the expanded programme will be in two of the 11 provinces. Pneumonia is one of the biggest killers of children worldwide and is responsible for a quarter of all child deaths under five in DRC.

DRC First Lady Olive Lembe Kabila and Minister of Health Victor Makwenge Kaput joined parents and health workers in Kinshasa to witness the first child being immunized as part of the official introduction of pneumococcal vaccine into the national routine immunization programme.

To read the full press release, visit the GAVI Alliance web site.

###
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

ONLINE RESOURCES

GAVI Alliance

RELATED INFO

Photo Gallery: The Value of Vaccines

PRESS RELEASES

May 18, 2012Bill Gates’ Statement in Response to G8 Food Security Commitment May 09, 2012Breathalyzers to Test Tuberculosis and Stamped Leaves to Detect Disease in Plants Apr 30, 2012Ashok Alexander Steps Down from India Office Leadership