The so-called “infant killer”, pneumococcal diseases, which are caused by the common bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, needs a killer of its own according to doctors. The diseases which can have a number of deadly causes, depending on where they attack, can include; pneumonia (lungs), bacteremia (bloodstream), meningitis (brain), and middle ear infections and sinusitis. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death for infants, especially in the developing world, and around 40% of infant pneumonia deaths are caused by pneumococcal diseases.
The diseases which have been primarily treated with penicillin, which has now been proven to be ineffective in many cases in recent years. Pneumococcal strains resistant to penicillin, or one of the other commonly used antibiotics have emerged in recent years. Therefore treatment has become more difficult, and in many cases in the developing world impossible. Thus the grave need for preventing pneumococcal diseases through vaccination.
“The World Health Organization recommended in March that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine be included in national childhood immunization programs, but it is out of reach for many in Asia at a cost of around $70 for each of the four doses” (Macau doctors want vaccines against “infant killer”).
It is clear that steps need to be taken to ensure that infant mortality rates do not continue to climb, and that preventable diseases are met head on. International measures must be taken to see that countries can afford vaccines and treatment for pneumococcal diseases, and that all children are given access and a chance at a healthy life.
