B Hlongwa on pneumococcal vaccine rollout

8 April 2009

“The introduction of this vaccine provides us with an opportunity to
contribute to the reduction of the high burden of infant mortality. In fact,
immunisation is of the most cost effective health intervention and most
precious gift a parent can secure for their child,” said Gauteng’s Health MEC,
Brian Hlongwa as he expressed his excitement at the rollout of the new
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in his province.

The introduction of this vaccine is considered a major breakthrough for
public health as it will decrease the infant mortality rate among children less
than five years. It will also benefit HIV positive babies and render them less
exposed to pneumonia.

Although immunisation is internationally considered a cost effective measure
to safeguard the health of children, it is rarely available in developing
countries like South Africa, making the introduction of this vaccine a
reflection of an ever maturing health support system.

Over the past four years pneumococcal related diseases have ranged between a
number of over 30 000 to over 50 000 incidences. More specifically in 2005 it
was 38 867 and 53 544 in 2006, 49 603 in 2007, 51 509 in 2008 and between
January and February this year it is 7 185.

“Diseases that are caused by streptococcus pneumonia are a major public
health problem worldwide. The strain of pneumonia causes a wide range of
infections, these include:
* Invasive pneumonia disease like pneumonia, empyema, meningitis and
bacteraemia
* “Non-invasive which are less severe, but much more common, being conditions
like otitis (middle ear infection), sinusitis and bronchitis,” further added
Hlongwa.

Invasive Pneumonia disease causes about two million deaths globally, mainly
affecting children below two years and the elderly. The majority of these
deaths are from poor and developing countries.

Before addressing attendants at the celebration of the new vaccine, Hlongwa
was witness to the administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at
Mohlakeng Clinic.

“As a parent I have this message for all other parents in Gauteng give your
child a precious gift of life, do not delay, vaccinate your child right away,”
concluded Hlongwa. We just cannot over emphasise the benefits of immunising our
children at the right time against vaccine preventable conditions.

Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial government
8 April 2009