Pampers has joined forces with UNICEF to protect vulnerable mothers and babies against tetanus

This year Pampers is hoping to fund as many as 10 million tetanus vaccines, offering a brighter tomorrow to those who may otherwise face a bleak outlook. 

Every year tetanus kills more than 250,000 mothers and babies around the world. Although eliminated from most countries through routine vaccination, tetanus continues to kill mothers and babies in 48 countries globally.

The true extent of the tetanus death toll is not fully known since the populations at highest risk of contracting this disease tend to live in rural areas with little or no access to health care services or education. Many newborns and their mothers die at home so neither the birth or death is registered. For this reason, neonatal tetanus is often referred to as the “silent killer”.

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil. Newborns are often infected as a direct result of unhygienic birthing practices, such as cutting the umbilical cord with un-sterile instruments or handling it with dirty hands. Once contracted there is no real cure with up 70 per cent of babies dying in the first month.

Maternal and neonatal tetanus can be prevented through simple injections given during pregnancy, to protect both a mother and her unborn child during this vulnerable period. To protect her baby, a mother should receive at least two doses of tetanus vaccine at least four weeks apart, with the last dose at least two weeks before delivery.

This year’s partnership follows the success of the 2006 campaign, which thanks to the help of Pampers mums all over the UK, provided UNICEF with the funding for over 7.4 million tetanus vaccinations exceeding the target of 6 million vaccines.

UNICEF is the leading children’s organisation reaching children in more than 150 countries around the world and relies entirely voluntary donations.

Pampers cares for the development of every baby around the world and works in partnership with NGOs, charity organisations and many hospitals and health professionals to help to make a difference. Some of the many initiatives which demonstrate Pampers ongoing commitment to vulnerable and disadvantaged babies around the world include education programmes for mothers and mothers-to-be, training schemes for physicians and nurses, and the donation of equipment for maternity wards and orphanages.

If you would like to make a donation to help Pampers and UNICEF reach more children around the world or for further information about the campaign please visit www.pampers.com or www.unicef.org.uk/pampers