BD Commits $1M To Fight Maternal And Neonatal Tetanus

Rhea-AI Summary

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has announced a commitment of $1 million over five years to support UNICEF USA's initiatives targeting the elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) in at-risk countries. This donation builds on BD's ongoing partnership, contributing over $10.8 million to UNICEF's efforts since 1997. The initiative aims to vaccinate women and promote safe childbirth practices, addressing a disease that claims a newborn every 21 minutes. BD continues to advocate for healthcare access among vulnerable populations.

Positive

• Commitment of $1 million over five years to support UNICEF's MNT elimination efforts.
• BD has contributed over $10.8 million in total to UNICEF since 1997, showcasing long-term support.
• The partnership helps reduce preventable neonatal deaths, with MNT newborn deaths declining by 88% between 2000-2018.

Negative

• None.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today announced a $1 million commitment over five years to UNICEF USA in support of UNICEF's work to uphold the rights of all children and help every child survive and thrive. The cash donation will be used to support UNICEF's efforts to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) in at-risk countries around the world. In 1997, BD was the first U.S.-based corporation to establish a maternal and newborn tetanus program with UNICEF.

With the support of BD, UNICEF is working to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide by seeking to vaccinate all women and girls of childbearing age, by promoting clean childbirth delivery practices such as clean umbilical cord cutting methods and by utilizing surveillance to enhance health professionals' understanding of the circumstances under which tetanus can be transmitted. Between 2000 and 2018, newborn deaths from MNT have declined by 88 percent.¹

As the first and longest-serving corporate partner in UNICEF USA's campaign to eliminate MNT, BD has now provided or committed more than $10.8 million in cash and product donations to the organization, including 55 million BD SoloShot™ Auto-Disable Syringes and BD Uniject™ Non-Reusable Devices.

"The initiative to help eliminate MNT was the first philanthropic program established by BD," said Tom Polen, CEO and president, BD. "Over the past 24 years, the MNT initiative has grown into an international public-private partnership that includes governments, global humanitarian organizations, non-profits and corporate partners, all with one mission to prevent unnecessary deaths from maternal and neonatal tetanus. This $1 million commitment continues our collective efforts to expand access to health care among the vulnerable populations who need it most and is part of our broader purpose – advancing the world of health."

"UNICEF won't stop working until maternal and neonatal tetanus is eliminated," said Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA President and CEO. "We're grateful for the long-standing partnership with BD and their commitment to UNICEF in helping to ensure every child is protected from this preventable disease."

Neonatal tetanus is a deadly disease that kills one newborn every 21 minutes, or approximately 68 newborns every day.¹ Typically contracted through unhygienic childbirth practices, the disease has a high mortality rate, but it is also highly preventable. Accessible health care services for women and newborn children, as well as an affordable vaccine given to women of reproductive age, can help prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus.¹

^{1 World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/MNTE_initiative/en/}

About BD 
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo.  

Contacts:

Jessica Offerjost	Kristen M. Stewart, CFA
BD Public Relations	BD Investor Relations
201-847-5297	201.847.5378
jessica.offerjost@bd.com	kristen.stewart@bd.com

 

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SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

FAQ

What is BD's recent financial commitment to UNICEF?

BD announced a commitment of $1 million over five years to support UNICEF's efforts against Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus.

How much has BD contributed to UNICEF in total for MNT initiatives?

BD has contributed over $10.8 million to UNICEF for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus initiatives since 1997.

What is the goal of BD's partnership with UNICEF?

The partnership aims to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in at-risk countries by vaccinating women and promoting safe childbirth practices.

How has the neonatal death rate from MNT changed?

Between 2000 and 2018, deaths from Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus have declined by 88%.

What disease does BD's initiative with UNICEF focus on?

BD's initiative focuses on the elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, a preventable disease affecting newborns.