AstraZeneca Pharma India announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) to raise awareness on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and its risks for premature infants in celebration of World Prematurity Day. Educate health workers, mothers, and parents about RSV-a highly contagious virus as a goal. This virus causes severe respiratory complications, and its risks are greater with preterm babies due to their underdeveloped lungs and weaker immune system.

RSV is considered as one of the most significant reasons behind respiratory infections in infant. The risk for serious illness, including bronchiolitis or pneumonia, is also higher in preterm infants. According to global statistics, greater than 90% of babies contract RSV by age two, a vast majority of whom are hospitalized due to complications arising from it. AstraZeneca's collaboration with IAP focuses on promoting early interventions and preventive measures to help minimize the devastating effects of RSV on vulnerable populations.

Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director of AstraZeneca India, said: "We are committed to addressing critical medical needs through science and innovation. RSV is a serious threat to preterm infants, and our partnership with IAP is in line with the need for timely interventions to help these infants avoid major respiratory diseases".

It is emerging as an important public health issue. Recently, the numbers have grown progressively with the urbanization and changed pattern of viral infection. "This collaboration with AstraZeneca will help further create awareness and arm the practitioners with the information and resources for the effective management of RSV," said Dr G V Basavaraja, President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.

The symptoms of RSV may vary and range from coughing, fever, runny nose, irritability, to pauses in breathing. If left untreated, the virus may be hospitalized, mostly in high-risk infants. To reduce the risk, it is necessary to use prevention with immuno-prophylactic treatment and hygiene practices, including hand washing and avoiding crowded places.

AstraZeneca-IAP collaboration would focus on digital awareness campaigns, educational sessions, and hybrid events across cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. This will hopefully develop early detection and encourage proactive management of RSV eventually cutting its impact on vulnerable children.