In anticipation of World Prematurity Day, AstraZeneca India has partnered with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) to launch an initiative focused on raising awareness about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) among healthcare professionals and caregivers. This collaboration aims to drive awareness and intervention strategies to protect vulnerable premature infants from RSV, a common yet potentially severe respiratory infection.

RSV is highly contagious and poses a significant risk, particularly to premature infants with underdeveloped lungs and immune systems. Studies indicate that over 90% of children contract RSV at least once by age two, often leading to severe respiratory issues. The AstraZeneca-IAP partnership is dedicated to promoting preventive care and timely intervention to reduce RSV-related complications in infants and young children.

Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director of AstraZeneca India, shared, “Our commitment to advancing patient outcomes drives us to address critical needs like RSV in preterm infants. Through this partnership, we bring innovative treatment options to India, working alongside IAP to empower healthcare professionals in reducing RSV risks in our youngest population.”

Dr. G.V. Basavaraja, President of IAP, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, saying, “With the rising incidence of RSV, our collaboration with AstraZeneca is crucial in addressing this public health concern. We aim to provide caregivers, parents, and healthcare workers with the knowledge and tools needed to protect children from RSV.”

Symptoms of RSV include fever, coughing, irritability, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, requiring hospital care. The collaboration will include digital and hybrid awareness programs across major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, educating healthcare providers on early detection, preventive care, and treatment for RSV in high-risk infants.