Pfizer Vietnam Limited Company and the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine joined forces to host a series of scientific symposia titled "assessing the impact of pneumococcal diseases in adults and evaluating the effectiveness of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines" aimed at sharing updated knowledge with healthcare professionals in Vietnam.
Overview of the scientific symposia titled "Assessing the impact of pneumococcal diseases in adults and evaluating the effectiveness of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines"
The conference reports focused on the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults and the epidemiology of pneumococcal strains globally and in Vietnam. They highlighted the dangers of pneumococcal diseases, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Additionally, the reports discussed the challenges in treating pneumococcal diseases due to rising antibiotic resistance, which leads to increased treatment costs and duration. Consequently, the importance of vaccination and the role of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for both patients and the broader community were emphasized.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.6 million people die each year from pneumococcal disease, including 600,000 to 800,000 adults, primarily due to pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Over 90% of these deaths occur in developing countries. Even in developed countries, however, invasive pneumococcal disease has a high mortality rate, averaging 10-20% in adults with pneumococcal pneumonia, and this rate is significantly higher in individuals with risk factors for the disease.
Associate Professor Do Van Dung from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City delivers a series of scientific symposia
Associate Professor Do Van Dung from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City added: "Risk factors that increase the likelihood of pneumococcal disease in adults include age, particularly for those over 65 years old, and weakened immune conditions such as HIV, hematological cancers, chronic kidney failure, or the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and chronic liver disease also elevate the risk. Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and alcoholism further increase the risk, as smoking weakens the immune system and heightens the risk of respiratory infections, while alcoholism can impair liver function and the immune system."
In Vietnam and globally, population aging and the rise in chronic diseases will lead to higher rates of pneumococcal infection and increased treatment costs. Therefore, active preventing pneumococcal infection with vaccines can be considered an effective strategy to reduce the burden of disease, combat antibiotic resistance, and lower medical expenses on a macro level.
Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam Co., Ltd., speaks the event
Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam Co., Ltd., stated: "At Pfizer, we have been partnering with Vietnam for many years to help address challenges in disease prevention and treatment. We believe that fostering cooperation between relevant public and private parties will enhance the healthcare system’s ability to tackle medical challenges such as pneumococcal diseases. We are proud of Pfizer’s mission to bring ‘Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives,’ including the world’s first pneumococcal vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine. Pfizer will continue to operate under the principle ‘Science will win.’ This series of scientific conferences on pneumococcus, featuring leading experts and international speakers, clearly demonstrates Pfizer’s commitment to supporting the advancement of scientific knowledge and medical progress for healthcare professionals. We are dedicated to contributing to the protection and care of public health, creating a healthier Vietnam."
