Novartis Korea Donates 13,000 Diapers to Korea Rare and Intractable Disease Association

Prepared Through Employee Participation Campaign

A total of 13,000 diapers prepared through the "Cheering Your Steps" campaign by employees of Novartis Korea were delivered to the Korea Rare and Intractable Disease Association.
[Photo by Novartis Korea]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Novartis Korea announced on the 29th that it has conducted the 'Cheering Your Steps' campaign to support patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and rare diseases, and through this campaign, donated 13,000 diapers to the Korea Rare and Intractable Disease Association.

SMA is a fatal rare genetic disease in which muscles throughout the body gradually atrophy due to a deficiency or mutation of the normal SMN1 gene. In the most severe type, SMA type 1, motor neurons rapidly degenerate from birth, with over 95% damaged within six months of age, and if untreated, 90% of patients may die before the age of two. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the prognosis for both survival rate and motor function, making early diagnosis and treatment critically important.

This campaign was conducted in the form of donating diapers, one of the consumable medical supplies needed by SMA and rare disease patients who require continuous treatment, through challenges that Novartis Korea employees could directly participate in. It consisted of two challenges: the 'Move Challenge,' which converted the total distance walked, run, and moved by employees into 20 diapers per kilometer, and the 'Love Challenge,' which donated 20 diapers per post when tagging the SMA patient Instagram account and leaving a message of support for patients.

Yoo Byung-jae, CEO of Novartis Korea, said, "This goes beyond simply donating diapers; it embodies the supportive spirit of Novartis Korea employees who hope that SMA patients can take full steps and grow up healthily." He added, "Fortunately, innovative treatments have been rapidly introduced domestically, creating conditions where SMA patients can dream of a healthy life and future. Now, we will take the lead in establishing an environment where patients can enjoy the best treatment benefits through the prompt connection of SMA diagnosis and treatment."

Kim Jae-hak, president of the Korea Rare and Intractable Disease Association, said, "Rare diseases have low awareness, making the process from diagnosis to treatment difficult, and as the battle with the disease prolongs, not only patients but also their families face increasing hardships." He added, "We ask for continued interest and support for rare diseases, including SMA."