Brussels/Geneva, 12 November 2024 – The European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and Duracell are extending their strategic partnership to continue their joint #PowerSafely campaign for a further three-year period, from 2025 onwards.

The joint objective of EAP and Duracell remains a significant reduction of the risk of Lithium Coin cell ingestion, and the number of actual cases. To that end, the partners continue to drive the awareness about prevention among parents and health care professionals. They will also address paediatricians, particularly EAP members, and other practitioners to improve their knowledge about detection, treatment and cure.

EAP and Duracell will also reinforce their public advocacy across Europe for the collection of reliable statistical data on battery ingestion by children hospital admissions etc. They are calling upon Eurostat and all national statistical offices to introduce the collection and publication of structured data related to battery ingestion incidents, particularly among young children.

“We are extremely happy to continue collaborating with Duracell to help minimise the risks of battery ingestions,” says Berthold Koletzko, President of the European Academy of Paediatrics. “As part of our joint #PowerSafely campaign, we are launching a series of infographics called ‘Protect Your Children’ which we share in 15 languages. Our members are invited to hang up the information in their waiting rooms i.e., a prime location to reach parents and caregivers.” “We also developed a master presentation for health care professionals to advise on detection, first aid and further treatment of battery ingestion.”

Javier Hernandez Reta, President Duracell Europe & Africa, adds, “We are proud about partnering with the leading paediatric association in Europe. While EAP’s expertise about child health and paediatric care is outstanding, we are contributing to the partnership through our unique knowledge about battery innovation for the benefit of child safety and our understanding of consumer attitudes.”

“A key criterion for our success will be the collection of reliable data about the ingestion of Lithium Coin cells. Such multi-year statistics will form a solid basis to understand the full magnitude of the issue, as well as the effectiveness of innovative solutions.”