KUALA LUMPUR – Pfizer Malaysia and BUMITRA Malaysia has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive pneumococcal disease prevention among haj and umrah pilgrims.
The partnership aims to encourage pilgrims to consult their doctor about pneumococcal vaccination before leaving for the Holy Land to minimise the risk of pneumococcal disease.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri while BUMITRA Malaysia President Harun KC Ahmmu, Pfizer Malaysia & Brunei Country Manager Luksanawan Thangpaibool signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organisations on Nov 11.
Luksanawan said people are often unaware that the infectious disease can put them at risk of serious medical conditions.
“Pneumococcal disease is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation among pilgrims. It is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and people with this disease can spread the bacteria to others when they cough or sneeze.
“Ongoing vaccination is a crucial cornerstone in keeping our communities healthy as it protects us from many serious infectious diseases at every stage of life. It is important for people to consult their doctors on how they can protect themselves and their loved ones,” she said virtually during the MoU signing ceremony here today.
Luksanawan said Pfizer believes that no one should suffer from a vaccine-preventable disease and thus, hand in hand with the healthcare providers, patent advocates, policymakers and professional organisations such as BUMITRA Malaysia, Pfizer seeks to extend the protective power of vaccination as broadly as possible.
Meanwhile, BUMITRA Malaysia president Harun Kc Ahmmu said BUMITRA was honoured to partner with Pfizer as there was no better time to raise awareness and empower pilgrims with the knowledge to ensure that they could continue fulfilling their religious obligations.
“It is important for all pilgrims to take care of their health prior to their journey to perform haj and umrah as, in addition to hospitalisation and disruption to their pilgrimage, a pneumococcal infection could also spread to family members and loved ones,” he said.
Harun said BUMITRA Malaysia Facebook will serve as the main platform to provide information about pneumococcal pneumonia.
More than 200,000 Malaysian pilgrims are expected to perform umrah next year.
