For most women in the UK and other developing countries, tetanus is not a concern. It’s other viruses and infections that are awaiting a cure or that we do not really know about that we are more concerned about – the meningitises and Group B Streps. But every year, tetanus kills more than 250,000 mothers and babies around the world. Although eliminated from most countries through routine vaccination, tetanus continues to kill mothers and babies in 48 countries globally, predominantly in developing world countries.
The true extent of the tetanus death toll is not fully known, since the populations at highest risk of contracting this disease tend to live in rural areas with little or no access to healthcare services or education. Many newborns and their mothers die at home, so neither the birth or death is registered. For this reason, neonatal tetanus is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’.
Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil. Newborns are often infected as a direct result of unhygienic birthing practices, such as cutting the umbilical cord with un-sterile instruments or handling it with dirty hands. Once contracted there is no real cure with up 70% of babies dieing in the first month.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus jabs can be prevented through simple injections given during pregnancy, to protect both a mother and her unborn child during this vulnerable period.
Following the administration of the tetanus vaccine to a pregnant mother, the antibodies pass across the placenta to her foetus. To protect her baby, a mother should receive at least two doses of tetanus vaccine at least four weeks apart, with the last dose at least two weeks before the delivery.
This year, UNICEF has partnered with Pampers to raise awareness of the issue that is killing so many women and babies. It follows the success of the 2006 campaign, which, thanks to the help of Pampers, mums all over the UK, provided UNICEF with the funding for more than 7.4 million tetanus vaccinations – exceeding the target of 6 million.
UNICEF is the leading children?s organisation reaching children in more than 150 countries around the world. UNICEF is not funded by the United Nations and relies entirely voluntary donations.
MothersWhowork.co.uk does not endorse any brands – we leave that for other media. But for a good cause like this, we felt it was important to bring it to your attention.
By choosing Pampers you can help UNICEF provide a brighter tomorrow for vulnerable mothers and babies all over the world
Pampers has joined forces with UNICEF for the second year running, to help ensure that millions of vulnerable mothers and their babies are protected against maternal and neonatal tetanus.
For every special UNICEF pack of Pampers product sold this October, November and December, Pampers will provide UNICEF with the funding for one tetanus vaccine. By choosing Pampers mothers can therefore help protect the world?s most vulnerable babies, and their mothers, with these life saving vaccinations.
This year Pampers is hoping to fund as many as 10 million tetanus vaccines, offering a ‘brighter tomorrow’ to those who may otherwise face a bleak outlook.
Pampers cares for the development of every baby around the world and continuously works in partnership with NGOs (non-governmental organisations), charity organisations and many, many hospitals and health professionals to help to make a difference. Some of the many initiatives which demonstrate Pampers ongoing commitment to vulnerable and disadvantaged babies around the world include education programmes for mothers and mothers-to be, training schemes for physicians and nurses, and the donation of equipment for maternity wards and orphanages.
To make a donation to help Pampers and UNICEF reach more children around the world or for further information about the campaign please visit Pampers or www.unicef.org.uk/pampers