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Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Limited Frimley Business Park Frimley/Camberley, Surrey GU16 7SR http://www.novartis.co.uk MEDIA RELEASE • COMMUNIQUE AUX MEDIAS • MEDIENMITTEILUNG World renowned photographer Anne Geddes launches global campaign in the UK to highlight the impact of meningitis Protecting Our Tomorrows is a new global campaign which aims to broaden awareness about the importance of meningitis prevention In the UK bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are the leading causes of death from infectious disease in children under five, striking around 3,400 people every year, killing one in ten1,2,3 Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control bacterial meningitis and septicaemia however children are not currently protected against all types Frimley, 8th October 2013: The UK today hosts the global launch of a unique photography project with celebrated photographer and global advocate for children Anne Geddes. The campaign aims to highlight the ongoing threat of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, which kills more UK children under the age of five than any other infectious disease.1 Anne Geddes will partner with meningitis charities from around the world along with the international Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) to meet and photograph families who have been affected by the disease. Through a series of emotive and inspirational photographs of survivors, the Protecting Our Tomorrows campaign aims to educate parents about the threat of meningitis, as well as the importance of prevention. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, however children are not currently protected against all types. Today’s launch is being marked with a 3,400-strong teddy bears’ picnic on London’s Potters Field, in the shadow of City Hall and the iconic Tower Bridge. This eye-catching installation neatly illustrates the burden of this life-threatening disease in the UK, with each bear representing someone who will contract bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year.2 Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are sudden, aggressive diseases that can kill within 24 hours of symptom onset.4 Babies, toddlers and adolescents are highly susceptible, with infants under one at the greatest risk.3 Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by several different types of bacteria including pneumococcus, Hib and meningococcus. The leading cause in the UK is meningococcal group B (MenB), which accounts for more than half of all cases.2 Approximately 10 percent of people who contract bacterial meningitis will die despite appropriate treatment.3 Of those who survive, as many as one in five will suffer life-long complications, such as brain damage, learning disabilities, hearing loss and limb loss.5 This activity has been organised by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited UK/MNG/13-0015e Date of prep: Oct 2013 1/3 Anne Geddes commented: “I’ve never met a parent who didn’t prioritise their children’s health and future above all else. Now we need to empower parents to understand the dangers associated with meningitis. It is my goal that these images will capture the inspiration and strength of these survivors while illustrating the life-changing impact this disease has on families every year.” CoMO member organisations the Meningitis Research Foundation and newly-merged Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK are united in support of the Protecting Our Tomorrows campaign in the UK. Chris Head, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation commented: “This campaign offers a powerful opportunity to put a personal face on a life-threatening disease. Too many children and their families still have to battle with this illness, and its consequences, every year”. Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK, added: “We are so grateful to Anne Geddes for supporting CoMO’s worldwide campaign. We have to keep meningitis prevention high on the health agenda, making sure we take every step possible to protect our children from an illness that steals lives and futures.” Dr Rob Hicks, GP commented: “I’m all too aware of the devastating impact bacterial meningitis and septicaemia can have on children and their families and so am extremely keen to do everything I can to raise awareness of these potentially deadly diseases. In the absence of vaccines to protect against all causes of bacterial meningitis it is vital that parents remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms and this new campaign provides an excellent way to help share this life-saving message.” Anne, who has taken some of the most celebrated images of childhood throughout a 30year career, will now work with UK meningitis charities over the coming months to identify and photograph inspiring stories of meningitis survivors. These images will be curated with others from the rest of the world within a special photo book to convey the sudden and profound impact of meningitis. The book will be launched on 24th April 2014 to mark the annual World Meningitis Day, led by CoMO. This activity has been organised by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited. ENDS About Novartis Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2012, the Group achieved net sales of USD 56.7 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.3 billion (USD 9.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 129,000 fulltime-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com. Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis. Media contacts For further information or to arrange interviews with Anne Geddes, a paediatrician or someone who has been affected by meningitis please contact: This activity has been organised by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited UK/MNG/13-0015e Date of prep: Oct 2013 2/3 Charlotte Collins, Ruder Finn Direct: +44 (0) 2074 383055 Mobile: +44 (0) 7867 451156 [email protected] Stuart Mayell, Ruder Finn Mobile: +44 (0) 7956 531394 [email protected] Notes to editors About meningitis Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. These bacteria usually live harmlessly in the back of the throat. Most of us will carry them at some stage in our lives without becoming ill, and they help us build up natural immunity (protection against the disease). Occasionally, these germs get past the body’s defences and cause infection. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, vomiting, severe headache, rash (not present in all cases), stiff neck*, dislike of bright lights*, very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake, confused/deliriousness and seizures (fits). *Unusual in young children. Other symptoms in babies include a tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head), refusing to feed, being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry, a stiff body with jerky movements or a floppy and lifeless body. REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Office for National Statistics. Mortality statistics: Deaths registered in 2010 (Series DR) Table 5.1. Available at: http://bit.ly/uHcnTt. Accessed October 2013 Meningitis Research Foundation. UK Facts and Figures (webpage). Available at: www.meningitis.org/facts. Accessed October 2013 Health Protection Agency Epidemiological Data webpage. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/topics/infectiousdiseases/infectionsAZ/meninococcaldisease/epidemiologicaldata / Accessed October 2013 World Health Organization. Meningococcal meningitis factsheet. Nov 2012. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs141/en/. Accessed October 2013 Rosenstein NE, et al. Meningococcal disease. N Engl J Med 2001;344:1378-88 This activity has been organised by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited UK/MNG/13-0015e Date of prep: Oct 2013 3/3