Dhaka / London, 2024 — A new chapter has opened for the healthcare landscape in the region as pharmaceutical giant GSK announced a collaboration to transfer technology for the production of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) to Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Bangladesh. Notably, the initiative also includes the participation of Evans Legacy Group, an organization with a mission to protect community health, focusing on children across South and Southeast Asia.
Timely action for one of the world’s most populous regions
Under the new agreement, Beximco will directly manufacture Augmentin — in 100‑mL powder for oral suspension format — according to GSK’s technical standards. Although the formulation remains unchanged, regionalized production is expected to stabilize supply and meet increasing seasonal treatment needs.
A GSK representative shared:
“Having access to high-quality medicines is essential to protect communities. Expanding local production capacity is an important step toward improving access to treatment for children and families in many developing countries.”
Evans Legacy Group: Standing with children during flu season
Amid persistently high rates of seasonal influenza, particularly in resource-constrained communities, Evans Legacy Group introduced the initiative “Healthy Childhood – Strong Future,” designed to ensure early diagnosis, proper treatment access, and prevention of complications in children.
The program focuses on:
– Supporting access to Augmentin as prescribed
– Screening — monitoring — counseling for pediatric patients
– Educating communities on influenza prevention and care
– Prioritizing support for children from economically disadvantaged families
Target: To support 70,000–120,000 children in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, and Sri Lanka during 2024–2025.
A representative of Evans Legacy Group emphasized:
“Not every family can access medical services at the right time. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to receive safe and timely treatment.”
Why does influenza remain a major challenge?
In South and Southeast Asia, seasonal influenza is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization, particularly when accompanied by a high risk of bacterial coinfection. In such cases, Augmentin is often prescribed to manage respiratory bacterial infections.
However, many rural areas continue to face:
– Medication shortages
– Limited access to healthcare services
– High treatment costs
With localized production and community-based initiatives, children may receive support more quickly — during the ‘golden window’ of treatment.
What do experts say?
Dr. Rahman Siddiq — a pediatric respiratory specialist — noted:
“In settings where healthcare systems remain limited, bringing treatment closer to the people can create meaningful change. The combination of local manufacturing and community support will help save many young lives.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between GSK – Beximco – Evans Legacy Group goes beyond product transfer. It reinforces a shared commitment: that every child — wherever they are — deserves timely and quality treatment.
A small step for the pharmaceutical sector, but a significant source of hope for hundreds of thousands of children across South & Southeast Asia.
