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Pfizer delivers one-billionth Pneumococcal vaccine dose to Ethiopia

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Addis Abeba – Pfizer, a leading biopharmaceutical company, announced on Tuesday the delivery of its one-billionth dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to Ethiopia as part of its long-standing collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support immunization in low-income countries.

The milestone dose will aid Ethiopia’s efforts to protect children from pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of childhood mortality.

“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone through our collaboration with Gavi to help children around the world have the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives,” said Nick Lagunowich, President of Pfizer Emerging Markets.

Since its partnership with Gavi began in 2010, Pfizer’s PCVs have reached 57 countries supported by Gavi, providing immunization to over 300 million children.

According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, pneumonia is a significant health challenge, causing over 40,000 deaths annually among children under five. Pfizer reports it has supplied more than 40 million pneumococcal vaccines in Ethiopia alone since 2020.

Melkamu Ayalew, head of Ethiopia’s immunization program, remarked that support from Pfizer and Gavi has been essential in addressing the country’s pressing health needs. The one-billionth dose, he added, “represents the commitment of Pfizer, Gavi, and other partners to improving child health in Ethiopia and beyond.”

Pfizer notes that more than half of its pneumococcal vaccines are provided on a not-for-profit basis to low- and lower-middle-income countries, aligning with the company’s broader “Accord for a Healthier World” initiative. AS

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