Bangkok--18 Feb--Spark Communications
Opal Panisara joins campaign to help protect children
No love is greater than the love between a mother and her child, starting from the natural instinct to protect their little ones throughout their life, from pregnancy until they grow up into healthy young children and beyond.
From an early age children can be at risk from even the most minor diseases, and the 'I Will Protect You Dear' campaign has been created to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination of infants. Specifically, the campaign will focus on protection of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD), as this seemingly common virus can cause complications which may lead to more serious infections such as bacteraemia, meningitis and pneumonia.
Dr. Sutheera Uerpairojkit, a paediatrician and infant expert, said that "There are over 90 pneumococcal serotypes identified in the world which can lead to other serious diseases or IPD. The virus can also cause various commonly found diseases such as ear infection and sinusitis. Albeit minor diseases, if not treated properly, the virus can spread to the nearby organs or even the brain."
Moreover, IPD can also lead to a range of serious diseases, particularly among children up to five years old, and may even lead to terminal illness. Even if treated IPD can continue to cause other health complications throughout childhood. Research from United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)[1] reveals that in 2015 alone, no less than 900,000 children under five years of age lost their battle with pneumococcus infection, even though this is a curable and easily preventable disease.
The best prevention against IPD in infants is to educate parents and children about good health practice, such as ensuring kids and adults wash their hands regularly, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. If possible, it is recommended to seek medical advices from your paediatrician for proper vaccination.
Parents should be aware of the health issues from an early age, and work on the assumption that prevention is better than cure, as a sick baby can cause considerable stress.
Panisara Arayaskul (Opal), a mother of twin babies and famous TV host, said, "After becoming pregnant I quickly realised that the instinct to care and protect for your child was natural and at times overwhelming. My own pregnancy had some difficulties and as a result I am even more determined to do everything I can to take care of my children. I am very lucky to have given birth to beautiful twins, and it is important they have the right access to health and education. As a result I have ensured they have the right vaccinations to make sure they are immune to dangerous diseases and they can live their childhood healthily without unnecessary complications."
"As well as making sure your child gets the right vaccinations, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep also contributes to better immune system for your children. Moreover, breastfeeding can help to provide immunity by providing the right kind of nutrition for small children too," Dr. Sutheera added.