Magic Johnson and $71.2 Billion Rich Company Join Hands to Tackle Life Threatening Virus Affecting Over 64 Million Globally

At the peak of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson announced his retirement in 1991 along with his HIV-positive diagnosis. Since then, the Olympian has made his life a testimony that it is possible to lead a regular life with these conditions if managed correctly. He’s become a strong health advocate since his life-changing revelation. He also spreads awareness about countless other diseases. In 2023, he took a significant step toward educating the masses on RSV.

Johnson forged a partnership with a global pharmaceutical giant to design a community awareness campaign. Their initiative is making one of its first moves towards helping adults at risk of RSV.

Magic Johnson leads a community awareness event

Pharmaceutical titan GSK collaborated with NBA legend, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, earlier this year. This was for their ‘Sideline RSV’ campaign to raise awareness about respiratory syncytial virus. The virus severely affects around 177,000 adults above 65 years old annually in the US and 64 million people globally.

The campaign also laid the groundwork for GSK’s anti-RSV vaccine launch. As a public health advocate and his history with GSK, Johnson was the ideal spokesperson for the campaign. They’ve now taken the initiative further to help older adults. GSK announced an event series, Sideline RSV ‘Community Conversations’ led by the five-time NBA champion.

The events will take place at four YMCA locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Phoenix. The events launch in September and continue through October, which is RSV Awareness Month.

Johnson will join medical professionals, patients, other health activists, media personalities, and YMCA members. The event will make older adults understand the risk of RSV infections and how to manage it.

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“As a dedicated public health advocate, I’m excited to be able to visit older adults in their communities to talk about their risk for RSV infection,” the 64-year-old said in the statement.

“Like many of us, and being over 60 myself, I used to be unaware of the effect that RSV can have on older adults. Now, I’m passionate about educating others and encouraging them to understand their risks and be proactive about their health.”

Magic Johnson’s ongoing health campaigns

Johnson is dedicated to taking the fear and stigma out of several diseases since he left the NBA in 1991. Two decades ago, he promoted GSK’s antiretroviral drug. Hence, his partnership with the pharma company didn’t come out of thin air.

GSK announced Johnson as the spokesperson for the ‘Sideline RSV’ campaign in March 2023. The new NFL executive also announced it on his official social media. “I make my health a priority and I’m passionate about inspiring others to do the same,” he said in the initial video.

The campaign’s website has since been centered around the retired point guard in a basketball arena. He filmed a video talking about RSV for the website, which is a regular feature of the social media content. With Magic Johnson at the helm, GSK is confident that RSV will become combated with more awareness.

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