Abbott China Donates Additional RMB 13 Million in Nutritional Products, Bringing Total COVID-19 Relief Contributions to Over RMB 31 Million

February 20, 2020, Shanghai. A globally leading healthcare companyAbbottAnnounced an additional donation of medical nutrition and pediatric nutritional products valued at over RMB 13 million. During the critical phase of the fight against the novel coronavirus, comprehensive scientific nutritional support was provided to healthcare workers on the front lines and their children, as well as to pediatric patients infected with the virus, thereby establishing a robust nutritional foundation for them. Previously, Abbott’s first batch of donations, comprising RMB 18.1 million in cash and medical supplies, had all been delivered to the front lines. With this latest contribution, Abbott’s total cumulative donations have exceeded RMB 31 million.

Nutrition is the foundation of immunity; good nutritional status supports better immune function, helping to resist viral infections. According to the latest “Dietary and Nutritional Recommendations for Frontline Workers in the Prevention and Control of Novel Coronavirus Infection” issued by the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, frontline healthcare workers may supplement their diets with foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) when work intensity is high and regular dietary intake is insufficient, so as to meet their nutritional needs. Abbott’s donation of Ensure Complete[1], a medical nutrition product, to frontline healthcare workers represents one of the first imported complete nutritional formulas registered in China as an FSMP[2]. It provides scientifically balanced, comprehensive nutrition tailored to the needs of medical personnel working around the clock. In light of the evolving epidemic situation and the involvement of more healthcare professionals, Abbott has expanded the scope of this donation to include medical teams aiding Hubei Province and frontline hospitals in other provinces. Additionally, Abbott will donate Pedialyte electrolyte powder, enabling frontline healthcare workers under intense workloads and at risk of dehydration to quickly replenish fluids, electrolytes, and energy, thereby facilitating rapid physical recovery.

During this special period, children require extra care and attention. According to the latest "Guidelines for Home Dietary and Feeding Recommendations for Women and Children During the COVID-19 Epidemic" issued by the Maternal and Child Nutrition Branch of the Chinese Nutrition Society, strengthening nutrition is an important measure to reduce the risk of infection in children, in addition to enhanced isolation and protective measures. In response, Abbott has donated its complete nutritional formula product, Pediasure, to support the nutritional needs of children of medical staff working at key hospitals across China, as well as pediatric patients at risk of contracting the virus. While healthcare workers are fighting on the front lines to protect patients, Abbott aims to support them from behind the scenes by ensuring their children receive comprehensive nutrition, helping them grow and thrive during these challenging times.

In addition, Abbott Nutrition promptly launched a range of special safeguard measures targeted at mothers and infants. These initiatives included initiating home delivery services for infant formula purchased from offline stores and supermarkets, thereby ensuring consumer safety during the special period and making every effort to guarantee supply across both online and offline channels. Furthermore, in collaboration with the China Health Promotion Foundation, Abbott launched the public welfare campaign “Professional Baby Care During Special Times,” specifically designed for pregnant women, new mothers, and infants. Through science-based education provided by authoritative experts and online medical consultations, expectant and new mothers can receive guidance from renowned medical professionals without leaving their homes. Additionally, Abbott’s premium organic maternal formula, Similac Organic Mom, which was pioneered in the industry, will provide careful support for the healthy growth of both expectant mothers and their newborns during this critical period.

Through this additional donation, Abbott aims to provide frontline healthcare workers and their families with comprehensive, science-based, high-quality, and professional nutritional support, helping them maintain optimal health to care for patients and fight the virus with full strength. Abbott will continue to monitor the progress of the epidemic and work together with everyone to overcome this public health challenge.

Abbott China’s initial donation included medical supplies, nutritional products, and cash totaling RMB 18 million. This second batch of nutritional product donations is an additional contribution, continuing to support relief efforts for the pneumonia epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, Abbott China’s total cumulative donations have exceeded RMB 31 million. The initial donation from Abbott China included the Abbott ARCHITECT c8000 System, a fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer capable of running high-volume diagnostic tests to monitor patients’ health indicators; and the Abbott i-STAT handheld blood analyzer, which provides healthcare professionals with rapidDiagnosisTest results, including point-of-care testing for immediate patient health status; Abbott Ensure Plus and specialized medical food nutritional base powder, providing comprehensive nutritional support for healthcare professionals and patients; and cash donations for the procurement of urgently needed medical protective supplies such as protective gowns, masks, and disinfectants.

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