Pfizer’s Puerto Rico Colleagues Resume Supporting Trachoma Elimination Efforts After Hurricane Maria

Antibiotics are a key component in the global effort to eliminate trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. One of several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified for elimination, trachoma is a preventable disease, and one that affects those living in communities with limited access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation.

Pfizer, through the International Trachoma Initiative, has donated more than 740 million antibiotic doses that can travel more than 9,000 miles at times to reach the hands of local health workers for distribution. Recently, Pfizer also extended its donation through the International Trachoma Initiative until 2025, should it be needed.

The contributions of Pfizer colleagues around the world, and a vast network of committed partners at the international, national and local levels, are driving real impact to help eliminate trachoma, ensuring the antibiotic is produced, packaged and distributed in a timely and safe fashion.

Pfizer’s manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico assist in the production and packaging of the antibiotic for donation to the International Trachoma Initiative.  Although the island of Puerto Rico was badly damaged after Hurricane Maria in September 2017, our Pfizer colleagues in Puerto Rico were steadfast in their efforts to return to normal operation. We thank them for their unwavering support and meaningful role in continuing our collective efforts to eliminate trachoma.

“Every role counts,” notes Ramon Frontanes, Site Leader, Pfizer Puerto Rico. “Everyone is here for a particular reason. We need everyone engaged to get the outcome that we are committing to.”

Watch the video above to learn more about the long journey these antibiotics take to reach communities in countries like Malawi, and the worldwide network that makes it happen.

Also, learn more about the efforts of Pfizer and its partners to fight against trachoma: https://on.pfizer.com/2LwCAPi