No Hope Lost: The Fight Against Pneumonia and Diarrhea

Did you know that the top two leading causes of child death among children less than five years of age are pneumonia and diarrhea. This is both worldwide and in the Philippines.

Last week, I attended the launch of the "No Hope Lost" campaign of GlaxoSmithKline. It is an awareness campaign on the heavy burden of pneumonia and diarrhea and if left unchecked can potentially lead to devastating consequences.

The lovely Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo as our host that afternoon

Celebrity mom Barbie Almalbis-Honasan shared her story when they had a pneumonia scare with her kids. 

Everyday in the Philippines, 37 Filipino children (age 1-59 months old) die from pneumonia while 13 Filipino children (age 1-59 months) die from diarrhea. These statistics are very alarming. That's why it's important for us to know more about these diseases. R had been having LBM that past few days, I was so scared that it might be diarrhea but it 

Dr. Sally Gatchalian, Deputy Executive DIrector of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, President of Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (just to name of a few of her credentials), was there that afternoon to explain more about pneumonia and diarrhea. 

What exactly is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a severe form of acute lower respiratory infection that specifically affects the lungs. The typical symptoms of pneumonia include a cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. 

Image from Unicef

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae also known as pneumococcus which can result to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. It can also result to Acute Otitis Media (AOM) which is an ear infection, a common and highly prevalent disease. It also includes severe diseases such as meningitis, complicated pneumonia, and sepsis (blood poisoning), which occur when the pneumococcus "invades" the blood. The invasive forms of the pneumococcal disease are a category called Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD).

“It’s the best time to raise awareness on pneumonia and diarrhea prevention. These diseases should not cause unnecessary suffering to young children,” says Dr. Sally Gatchalian, "Sometimes it’s just that parents don’t know enough about these diseases, and they don’t know that there are actually vaccines for them.”

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as having loose or watery stools at least three times per day, or more frequently than normal for an individual. Acute cases can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration, which may result in death or other sever consequences.

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Diarrhea is caused by a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute diarrhea and is leading reason for about 40% of hospital admissions.

Rotavirus infects virtually every child within the first 5 years of life, irrespective of race or socio- economic status. That is why it is called a “democratic virus.” 

As a mom, whenever my kids get sick, my world turns upside down. We would do everything to make our kids to get well and feel better. No child has to suffer and die because of these diseases because they are preventable. As goes the saying, "Prevention is better than cure." Have your kids vaccinated These vaccines can be administered as early as six weeks, ask your pediatrician. The early your protect, the better is is.

Other ways to get your child protected aside from vaccination are by breastfeeding, hand washing, preventing air pollution, and adequate nutrition.

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As one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, GSK continues to be a committed partner of both private healthcare practitioners and the government in the fight against childhood diseases, death and suffering around the world by offering health solutions for the reduction of overall diseases.

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The “No Hope Lost” campaign from GlaxoSmithKline, which embodies the need for immediate action to get children vaccinated against pneumonia and diarrhea, will soon be launched through radio ads, print notices, flyers, and posters.

“With the help of our dear pediatricians, and the Department of Health, we are committed to the reduction of pneumonia and diarrhea cases nationwide by supplying high quality vaccines. These diseases account for an alarming almost 50 mortalities per day in the Philippines. GSK is here to support the Filipino medical community and the government’s drive to make health services accessible to everyone,” added Philip Cruz, GSK Medical Director.

I, along with the SoMoms pledged our support to fight against pneumonia and diarrhea. Join us and pread awareness.

I'm a PLAY Advocate: Educating Oneself With Pneumococcal Disease!

Growing up with an OC mom, I remember we would always given vaccines by our pedia on our regular check-ups. I think I've got complete vaccines plus boosters. When I became a mom, I follow our pedia's schedule with Y and R's vaccines just like my mom. I never really asked or wonder if they are effective, their advantages and if there are any side effects.

Last February 23, twenty five of the Philippine's top social media moms and their children came together to understand a trending topic in the field of medicine. Pneumococcal Disease or PD may sound like a long and complicated term, but learning was made fun through an activity called Protection, Love, and Activities for Young Kids or P.L.A.Y.

P.L.A.Y. is a disease awareness raising awareness campaign by Mommy Mundo, the country's most extensive portal of mom and family-focused resources. For many years, Mommy Mundo has actively promoted an advocacy on vaccination as the nest defense against diseases. 

Y enjoying!

Dr. Carmina De Los Reyes was there to explain about the diseases as well as other concerns of parents who were present during the talk. Here are some helpful facts for us moms to remember!

Each year, roughly a million children die from PDs. This disease is considered as the #1 killer of children less than 5 years old worldwide! PDs include invasive ones also known as IPD such as meningitis, sepsis, bacteremia, and pneumonia and other common diseases such as acute otitis media (middle ear infection).

And for us to learn more about PDs, games were played by moms and kids! And I was with Team Pneumoniacs!

My very intense team! Haha! See their faces? Hihi

The afternoon ended, with a pledge to P.L.A.Y., a promise of all the participants to protect their health and keep on learning and with a full head of knowledge.

Fore more information, visit www.mommymundo.com/vaccinate

My Weekend Roundup

Saturday
Y had her scheduled pedia visit and monthly vaccine. She had her first flu vaccine yesterday. As usual, she didn't cry at all. She didn't even winced at all. Such a brave little girl, just like her mommy! Proud mommy! My mom said I was like that when I was a baby (I still am! Harhar!) I'm not afraid of needles!

All smiles after her vaccine. Parang walang nangyari!

That morning, she watched an episode of Barney. She just sat on her high chair. But being her makulit self, she got bored! So I just took her pictures.

That night, I cooked BOS some Fish and Chips (recipe from here). We both like Fish and Co's version. So I thought instead of eating out, I have some halibut fillet in the freezer, why not cook at home? Sorry, I don't have pictures. I was haggard and hungry after cooking that we just ate them all up! It's not as good as Fish and Co's but the BOS said he liked it. I was happy! Oh, I used lager beer (San Miguel Super Dry) for the batter instead of stout beer as I can't find any in the grocery!


Sunday
Today I woke up to a sleeping Y. Usually she wakes up first and wakes us up.

Chubby cheeks!!!

When I got home, took a bath, and played with Y. Here we were testing out the new play mat her Gwama got for her! Yay!

Today Gwakong requested that Y goes to the mall with him. Of course we said Yes! After lunch, we went to the nearest Robinsons. Feeling nostalgic again! Haha..

Y in Gingersnaps Dress (bought on sale!)

It was a short trip to the mall. Y was tired and sleeping after two hours so we decided to go home. She woke up when we got home. And here's our little tigress getting a massage from her papa. She likes it when we massage her legs LOL!

Papa, take your time massaging me while I watch my Barney.

She slept an hour after we gave her daily sponge bath.

What a weekend! It was all fun. I love every minute I spend with my family!