GEORGIE PARKER TO HELP TWO MILLION CHILDREN ON THE ROAD TO RELIEF FROM PNEUMONIA
It is estimated that almost two million children in developing countries die from pneumonia each year[i], more than the total number of Australians who died, from all causes, in the ten years from 1998-2008[ii]. Almost as shocking is that many of these deaths are preventable. The risk of death from pneumonia can be significantly reduced if a child is immunised against measles.
Pneumonia is a serious complication of measles and the most common cause of death associated with measles worldwide[iii]. The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries1 but between April and August this year, Australians will be able to help in the fight against pneumonia via the Vicks Road to Relief program.
Every specially marked Vicks product purchased will pay for one child in a developing country to be immunised against measles, to help in the fight against pneumonia. All funds raised by the Vicks Road to Relief will be donated to UNICEF, who will ensure that the measles vaccines are administered in the places where they are most urgently needed. The goal is to fund 2 million immunisations in 2010 alone.
Martin Thomas, spokesperson for UNICEF Australia, commented, “Pneumonia is known as the ‘forgotten killer’. It claims the lives of more children in developing countries than any other illness – more than AIDS and malaria combined3- yet receives little attention.”
This winter, actress and mother, Georgie Parker, will be helping to educate Australians about how they can help reduce these unnecessary deaths, simply by looking after their own families. “I was shocked to learn that pneumonia was having such a huge effect on the lives of so many children in the developing world. As a mother myself it was not an illness I ever associated with children,” she said.
“The beauty of the ‘buy one pack, immunise one child’ approach is that by purchasing a product that will help them take care of their own family, Australians can also dramatically help a less fortunate family somewhere else in world,” she continued.
One of the countries whose children will benefit from the Vicks Road to Relief is Bangladesh. One of the world’s most densely populated countries, there are 1104 people per square kilometre in Bangladesh[iv] compared to about 3 people per square kilometre in Australia[v]. And there are over 64 million children in Bangladesh[vi] - that’s more than three times the entire population of Australia5..
In February, Georgie travelled to Bangladesh with UNICEF Australia to witness firsthand the immunisation of hundreds of children between the ages of 9 and 59 months.
“Visiting Bangladesh was an amazing and humbling experience. The delivery of the immunisations is a huge undertaking and seeing what the dedicated UNICEF team is able to accomplish, with the most basic provisions, was both remarkable and inspiring,” said Georgie.
“Access to immunisations is something that Australian parents may take for granted. But globally, 1 in 5 children will not receive immunisation against basic diseases[vii],” said Mr Thomas of UNICEF Australia
The significance of the campaign falls in line with the Millennium Development Goal to reduce by two - thirds the mortality rate of children under five. “With less than five years until the Goals are set be realised, we need to do everything we can. In developing countries this can be as simple as immunising children against a preventable disease like measles to stop the lethal spread of pneumonia,” commented Mr Thomas.
For more information about the Vicks Road to Relief and the other countries that will benefit from Australians’ support this winter, visit www.vicksroadtorelief.com.
Disclaimer: Vicks range of products helps relieve cough and cold symptoms. Vicks is not for the treatment of pneumonia. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
