A pneumococcal vaccine is launched in Africa to cut child deaths

A newly developed vaccine against pneumococcal disease has been launched in Kenya, marking the global roll out of vaccinations targeting the world’s biggest child killer, pneumonia.

“Today’s introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine in Kenya is an historic step towards improved health for children in Kenya and in other developing countries,” said Kenya’s health minister, Beth Mugo. “The global introduction of pneumococcal vaccination is a milestone in global health.”

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been specially tailored to meet the needs of children in developing countries with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), which has committed itself to introducing the vaccines in 19 developing countries within a …