UMC Utrecht is working on research into RSV; Respiratory syncytial virus. Fairly unknown, but killing around 700 children on a daily basis, RSV is one of the most deadly diseases on our planet. But hardly anyone knows about it. The team behind the research project, RSV GOLD, wanted to change that; asking for awareness. So that the disease gets on people’s agenda; a step towards a solution.

Beyond Borders Media headed to Soweto, South-Africa to capture the story of Simone van Wyck. A mother who had recently lost here baby to RSV. In the video is explained that it is very difficult for doctor to recognise the disease. And when they do manage to diagnose, there still isn’t any treatment. The film also includes a doctor who provides her take on the disease.

This film was part of a large scale awareness campaign. The video being the cornerstone in its communication, it was widespread to news and media. In Dutch news, the film featured on the NOS news channel, the main Dutch news website.

Furthermore, it was spread through social media and was showcased during a RSV summit in Ghana, and was used as a main piece to start a conversation about the disease.