Setting the PACE: the College responds to the global call to action on pneumococcal disease prevention

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of mortality in children under five worldwide. It will therefore be necessary to address the global burden of pneumococcal disease, if we are to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 4 for child mortality reduction. Effective interventions are available, including pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and case treatment. To support local and global advocacy on pneumococcal disease prevention and treatment, especially in those regions of the world with the greatest burden, the Pneumococcal Advisory Council of Experts was established with partners globally, including The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine (ACTM ).