BANGKOK, Thailand – Sanofi joins force with Samitivej International Children’s Hospital to launch the “Together Against RSV” awareness campaign in Thailand, with the support from the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand (PIDST), the Neonatal Society of Thailand and the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand (RCPedT). The campaign was officially launched by the French Ambassador to Thailand, underscoring the international commitment to combating Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV infection underlies a significant burden of disease especially in infants. As a common viral respiratory infection, it can be easily mistaken for the common cold, with the appearance of symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat appearing within 4-6 days after exposure. However, unlike a cold, it can progress rapidly to become a serious lung infection and cause severe complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalization. 90% of infants and young children will contract RSV within their first two years of life. Although RSV can infect anyone in the general population, all infants under one year old, regardless of being born pre-term or healthy and full-term, are at highest risk of severe RSV infection requiring hospitalization. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, 33.8 million children under the age of 5 are infected with RSV annually, resulting in 160,000 deaths. Additionally, two-thirds of infants and young children worldwide experience acute respiratory inflammation due to RSV infection.
Dr. Surangkana Techapaitoon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Samitivej and BNH Hospital Group and Director of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), stated that Samitivej International Children’s Hospital is leading international center for advanced pediatric care, committed to ensuring that every child grows up strong and healthy from birth. Samitivej integrates cutting-edge Smart Hospital technology with the expertise of a multidisciplinary medical team to deliver comprehensive, age-appropriate care.
In celebration of the inauguration of Samitivej International Children’s Hospital’s new facility, the hospital is honored to collaborate with Sanofi in launching the “Together Against RSV” campaign and establishing the “Center for Comprehensive RSV Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment”. As the first healthcare institution in Southeast Asia to introduce and provide the Monoclonal Antibody against RSV, Nirsevimab, for all infants, this initiative marks a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare. Nirsevimab is expected to reduce RSV infections, and prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Our goal is to ensure that Thai children develop strong immunity because we want to see them grow up healthy and disease-free. #SavingYoungLives”
Ms. Zainab Sadat, General Manager – Vaccines, Sanofi South-East Asia & India said, “Sanofi is proud to initiate the “Together against RSV” awareness campaign here in Thailand, marking a significant milestone for Southeast Asia. We are thrilled to see the collaborative effort of medical experts, policy makers, and hospital partners joining hands to kick-start this crucial project. This campaign represents our commitment to addressing the significant health challenge posed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), particularly its impact on infants. Through this united effort, we aspire to see a tangible impact on protecting Thai infants from RSV, embodying our mission of improving lives through the power of science and collaboration.”
Prof. Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, President of PIDST, highlighted the critical role of early intervention and education in preventing RSV-related hospitalizations. “RSV infection is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations in Thailand among children under one year old. The disease burden is substantial. By increasing awareness and promoting preventive strategies, we can significantly reduce the impact of RSV on infants and their families.
Recent advancements in RSV prevention have introduced two options: vaccination of expectant mothers to transfer immunity to babies after birth, and administration of RSV Monoclonal Antibody directly to infants. It is recommended that all infants receive this RSV protection, as severe illness can occur to any child regardless born healthy, at term or pre-term. In fact, data indicates that the majority of children hospitalized with severe RSV were previously in good health.”
The campaign “Together Against RSV” aims at raising RSV awareness and educating lay public about RSV severity, especially in infants, recognized as high-risk groups. It also calls for preventive measures, including immunizations, by referring to the Clinical Practice Guideline against RSV issued by the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand (RCPedT). Prof. Somsak Lolekha, President of RCPedT, emphasized the importance of timely prevention. “The RSV outbreak typically occurs from June to October, so prevention should be initiated before the RSV season begins.
Currently, the RCPedT, along with their medical allies, has issued the Clinical Practice Guideline Nirsevimab to reduce severity from RSV infection as follows: administer Nirsevimab to all healthy infants under 8 months of age, and it may be considered for healthy infants aged 8-12 months, as a single dose before the outbreak season. It can provide protection for up to 5 months, covering the entire RSV season (June-October). Infants born during the outbreak season can receive the injection immediately, together with other pediatric vaccines.” (NNT)
