The Eleventh International Rotavirus Symposium, being held in New Delhi, is a three-day conference where more than 600 experts from 56 countries will reportedly examine new surveillance data and studies demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of vaccination for rotavirus, a leading cause of severe and fatal diarrhea in children under five years of age worldwide.
“We cannot reduce death and suffering from rotavirus — as well as its significant economic toll —without vaccines,” said Dr Mathuram Santosham, chair of ROTA Council and professor of International Health and Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. “Greater prioritisation of rotavirus vaccines will protect children and avoid substantial health costs to families and healthcare systems. India, which has a heavy rotavirus burden but is home to a promising new vaccine, is the perfect setting to evaluate the current scientific evidence on rotavirus vaccines to inform decision-making.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one-third (36 per cent) of all hospitalisations for severe diarrhea are caused by rotavirus. This summer, India announced it would introduce a new vaccine, shown to reduce severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus by 56 percent during the first year of life. Rotavirus is estimated to cause more than 78,000 deaths, 800,000 hospitalisations and three million outpatient visits each year in India.
“Every child deserves the chance to live a long, healthy, productive life,” said Dr Gagandeep Kang, head of the Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. “When rotavirus vaccines are part of a comprehensive strategy including oral rehydration solution (ORS), breastfeeding, good nutrition, and improved water, sanitation and hygiene, we can make this vision a reality.”
The Eleventh International Rotavirus Symposium aims to bring together scientists, clinicians, public health professionals, immunisation leaders, vaccine industry representatives and members of the donor community. The Sabin Vaccine Institute serves as the organising secretariat.
EH News Bureau
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