AstraZeneca India and Indian Academy of paediatrics announce collaboration to raise RSV awareness for premature infants

As part of an effort to mark World Prematurity Day, AstraZeneca Pharma India has announced a strategic collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), the nation’s largest association of paediatricians. This collaboration aims to raise awareness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which poses a risk to newborn premature infants, potentially leading to serious respiratory illnesses. The initiative also highlights the importance of timely intervention in mitigating risks for these infants.

RSV is a highly contagious virus known to cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in infants born prematurely. Infants with underdeveloped lungs and weaker immune systems are especially vulnerable to RSV disease and may face cardiopulmonary complications. According to global reports, over 90 per cent of infants contract RSV at least once by the age of two. The AstraZeneca-IAP collaboration aims to promote preventive strategies that could reduce the impact of respiratory infections in vulnerable infants and young children.

Dr Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director at AstraZeneca India, stated, “Being a pharmaceutical organisation committed to transforming patient outcomes, we are steadfast in addressing patient unmet medical needs by leveraging science. RSV puts our infants who are born before term at risk of respiratory illnesses, and we are proud to bring a breakthrough medicine to India that can help safeguard our generations to come. With this partnership with IAP, we aim to work with medical professionals and highlight that an innovative therapy coupled with timely action can avert risks associated with this virus.”

Dr G. V. Basavaraja, President of IAP, added, “RSV is one of the leading causes of illness in young children, and we have been witnessing a steady rise in the number of cases in recent years. The rising incidence of RSV, driven by factors like urbanisation, changing climates, and evolving viral patterns, calls for greater awareness and proactive management. Our collaboration with AstraZeneca is a vital step in addressing this public health challenge, ensuring that parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to protect children from the growing threat of RSV.”

RSV symptoms typically include coughing, fever, runny nose, irritability, reduced activity, and episodes of paused breathing. In severe cases, the infection may lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, conditions that often require hospitalisation. For preterm infants and other high-risk children, available immuno-prophylactic options, combined with hygiene measures like regular handwashing and avoiding crowded areas, provide a means of protection. Despite the risk, public awareness of RSV remains low, contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment for affected infants.

The collaboration between AstraZeneca India and IAP is set to focus on education, early detection, and awareness among healthcare professionals, parents, and caregivers, underscoring the growing threat of RSV. A central part of this initiative will be promoting preventive strategies to help reduce the burden of RSV. In addition to digital campaigns, the partnership will involve hybrid awareness sessions across multiple cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, aimed at educating paediatricians and healthcare professionals on the importance of early action against RSV.