The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the launch of a Zika prevention campaign in Puerto Rico with radio and online messages beginning on Monday, May 9.
“The NACDS Foundation is taking this action to help address an imminent public-health need, by helping to educate and empower women in Puerto Rico about where they can turn to help protect themselves and their unborn children,” NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger said. “We are actively seeking additional partners to sustain this initiative while the need remains, and to complement the work of all those in the public health community who are standing with the people affected by this situation.”
The campaign focuses on women, specifically pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant. It encourages them to discuss ways to protect themselves and their babies from Zika infection with their health care providers and pharmacists.
“I personally appreciate this meaningful work to help the people of Puerto Rico address a public health situation facing this generation and generations to come,” Former Governor of Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño said. “At times like this, the needs are great, and raising awareness is among those critical needs. I applaud the philanthropic and private entities that are playing a vital role in this emerging public health threat, like the NACDS Foundation’s campaign that will help get the word out about prevention.”
The Zika virus is implicated in devastating birth defects, including microcephaly and other brain defects, as well as miscarriages. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is generally found in tropical and subtropical climates. This species of mosquito is active during the day.
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