In our country, childhood diseases such as tetanus have been virtually eliminated through routine immunization. In many developing countries around the world, this is not the case. In fact, in many countries, half of all neonatal deaths due to vaccine-preventable diseases are caused by tetanus. Women in developing countries can contract tetanus during childbirth due to unsanitary birthing conditions and no access to adequate health care. Tetanus spores can then pass through the umbilical cord when cut, infecting both mother and baby. The disease goes through newborns within days of their exposure to the toxic bacteria and almost always leads to a rapid and painful death.
As a solution to this preventable problem, UNICEF and Pampers have teamed up to provide mothers and newborns in developing countries with life-saving tetanus vaccines. For each Pampers product purchased with a One Pack = One Vaccine sticker between now and August 31, 2008, Pampers will donate five cents to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to provide one tetanus vaccine to a woman in the developing world. According to the UNICEF Web site, the goal for the U.S. campaign is 45 million vaccines, which would bring the total global donations to more than 70 million vaccines.
Serving as the campaign's North American spokesperson is actress, producer and new mother, Salma Hayek, who is making promotional appearances on behalf of One Pack = One Vaccine. Through a press release, Hayek states, "Tetanus is a terrible disease that is completely avoidable when women of child-bearing age are vaccinated. Through this program, parents have the power to help supply much-needed vaccines through UNICEF simply by purchasing a pack of Pampers."
To support the campaign, you can purchase a designated Pampers product at your local supermarket, drug or convenience store. Those without a child in diapers can log onto www.Pampers.com/UNICEF to purchase a pack of diapers for a family in need, or to donate to another worthwhile charity (such as, America's Second Harvest, Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Association and Children's Health Fund/New York Children's Health Project), while at the same time helping to provide a life-saving tetanus vaccine to UNICEF.
Source: BecauseAction.com
