omniture

Mundipharma Responds Rapidly to HFMD Outbreak in Penang

2018-07-25 19:45 2062

GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the escalating HFMD outbreak in Penang, international healthcare organisation, Mundipharma, is moving quickly to provide access to a key medicine that is clinically-proven to kill the viruses that cause the spread of HFMD, and educate people on preventative measures.

The state Health Committee chairman, Dr Afif Bahardin, has said "We are beyond the danger level now".           

In support of the Malaysian Ministry of Health's efforts managing the HFMD outbreak, Mundipharma already donated over 1,000 bottles of its BETADINE® Skin Cleanser to affected kindergartens in the region last week, under its MundiCares CSR programme, and more is on the way. In addition, Mundipharma is ensuring pharmacies across Penang have sufficient supply of the product.

According to the Penang Health Department, 2,170 cases were recorded in the state as of 18 July, which is more than a 50% increase on the same period last year.

Demonstrated by the European testing method, EN 14476, which evaluates if an antiseptic meets the minimum requirements for microbicidal activity, BETADINE® Skin Cleanser, is proven to kill both Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) viruses at a faster onset of action (Sawhney 2016). Viral titres of both HFMD viruses Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A16 were reduced within 30 and 60 seconds, respectively by BETADINE® Skin Cleanser.

HFMD spreads from person-to-person through direct contact so correct hand-washing technique is also an important preventative measure. Mundipharma is working with preschool teachers to educate them and children in Penang on proper hand-washing technique. It has also posted and boosted an educational video on this topic on the BETADINE® YouTube channel in Malaysia.

Mundipharma Southeast Asia GM, Suresh Pragasam, said: "Public-private partnerships are critical in healthcare, so we're glad to be collaborating with the Ministry of Health to help curtail this HFMD outbreak. Rapid response during these situations is vital so I'm proud we were able to get the first batch of donated medicine into affected kindergartens quickly and activate our education efforts -- we will continue monitor the situation in Penang and beyond closely and take action as required."

People are encouraged to check that HFMD treatment products are registered with authorities for proper clinical support before purchasing (e.g. BETADINE® Skin Cleanser).

About BETADINE®

The BETADINE® range of products is trusted by hospitals around the world for over 60 years to prevent and treat infections. It is a trusted brand among consumers at home to treat small wounds and grazes, sore throats, feminine infections. This stops minor problems from escalating into big issues. In-vitro studies show that BETADINE® medicines that contain Povidone-Iodine kill a broad range of bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains. BETADINE® has four main categories of products in Antiseptics, Wound Care, Throat / Oral Care and Feminine Care.

®: BETADINE is a Registered Trademark

About Mundipharma 

Mundipharma's independent associated companies are privately owned entities covering the world's pharmaceutical markets. Mundipharma is a prime example of a company that consistently delivers high quality products while standing by the values that represent the company. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer and non-cancer pain and to substantially improve their quality of life. Mundipharma is dedicated to bringing to patients with severe and debilitating diseases the benefit of novel treatment options in fields such as pain, oncology, oncology supportive care, ophthalmology, respiratory disease and consumer healthcare.

For more information please visit: www.mundipharma.com.my

Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150302/8521501264LOGO

Source: Mundipharma
collection