Takeda: CSR Programs Focusing on Maternal and Child Health

-Evolving Around the Priority Theme of Preventive Activities Contributing to the Health of People in Developing/Emerging Countries-

OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TOKYO:4502) today announced that the company will implement three CSR programs focusing on solutions to maternal and child healthcare problems in Africa and Asia. These programs are implemented to addressing critical issues in maternal and child health in medium- to long-term perspectives, in partnership with international NGOs with a proven track record: World Vision Japan, Save the Children Japan, and Plan International Japan.

Starting from fiscal year 2016, Takeda has been focusing on prevention for health in developing and emerging countries, as a priority theme in its CSR activities. The contents of these programs are in line with our priority theme and will also contribute to helping achieve “Goal 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)* adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

• Project Outline and Implementing Organizations
	Partner	Program outline	Area	Period	Budget
1	World Vision Japan	Community Health Worker Training for Maternal and Child Health	India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan	5 years	Approx. ¥500 million
2	Save the Children Japan	Maternal and Newborn Health for Ethnic Minorities	Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos	5 years	Approx. ¥250 million
3	Plan International Japan	Digital Birth Registration	Kenya	3 years	Approx. ¥100 million

As a pharmaceutical company committed to improving people’s lives, Takeda strives better health for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. At the same time, the company will continue to contribute to society by supporting patients and their families who cannot be sufficiently supported by the provision of pharmaceutical products alone.

^*

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): International goals for sustainable development included in the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets. http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

Overview of the Programs by Partner
1.	World Vision Japan: Community Health Worker Training for Maternal and Child Health
	• Overview	:	In Southern Asia which has a high infant mortality rate compared with other regions, this program will build the capacity of 1,400 community health workers to reduce preventative death among mothers and children by providing some 500,000 people with knowledge and services related to healthcare over five years.
	• Regions	:	India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan
	• Period	:	5 years
	• Budget	:	Approx. ¥500 million
2.	Save the Children Japan: Maternal and Newborn Health for Ethnic Minorities
	• Overview	:	This program aims to improve the access and quality of health care for minority populations in Asia. Working in close collaboration with the relevant health authorities, the program will provide health education, training, and services over five years, to 150,000 local residents which include 40,000 ethnic minority women and children, and health care providers
	• Regions	:	Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos
	• Period	:	5 years
	• Budget	:	Approx. ¥250 million
3.	Plan International Japan: Digital Birth Registration
	• Overview	:	Takeda supports efforts to introduce digital birth registration in rural areas in Kenya, where registration rates are low. The program will help to protect children's basic human rights and will contribute to improving healthcare access by providing a system that enables them to receive healthcare services such as immunizations
	• Region	:	Kenya
	• Period	:	3 years
	• Budget	:	Approx. ¥100 million

About World Vision
Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people, especially with children, World Vision Japan is one of the support offices of World Vision who works in about 100 countries and is registered with UN ECOSOC.

About Save the Children Japan
Save the Children is an independent international organization and is a pioneer with one hundred years of history in the field of child rights. Today, Save the Children provides support in approximately 120 countries, in partnership with independent member organizations in 29 countries including Japan to deliver lasting results for children. Save the Children Japan was established in 1986.

About Plan International Japan
Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organization committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice. Plan places a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind. When disasters or conflict threatens children’s lives and well-being, Plan is quick to respond. Together, we are transforming lives.

About Takeda CSR Activities
For Takeda, CSR is rooted in putting the patient in the center and operating a pharmaceutical business that creates outstanding products. In addition, we strive to maintain and improve sound business processes, and to engage in activities to promote a sustainable society as a good corporate citizen. In doing so, we are implementing a model of value creation and preservation through CSR. This will help us to build trust with society, reinforce our reputation, and further develop the pharmaceutical business. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/csr/policy/