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Rotavirus

In developing countries, over half a million children die from rotavirus every year. Another two million children are severely sickened and hospitalized by the disease. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrheal hospitalizations and deaths among children worldwide. Development of a rotavirus vaccine has been a global health priority for many years, and with two vaccines currently on the market, the promise of prevention is now becoming reality in several parts of the world.

Sabin is currently working to facilitate the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine in targeted areas across the globe. In 2003, Sabin launched a rotavirus advocacy initiative to call attention to this disease and its impact. Every other year Sabin has co-hosted meetings that bring together scientists, clinicians, public health professionals, immunization leaders, vaccine industry representatives and donors to share the latest research and assist in the development of strategies to make rotavirus vaccines available to children around the world.

Learn more about the facts of Rotavirus.

Related Events

9th International Rotavirus Symposium

The 9th International Rotavirus Symposium brought together over 385 scientists, clinicians, public health professionals, immunization leaders and others from over 65 countries. The event was designed to provide an update on relevant research that will inform public health agendas related to rotavirus gastroenteritis. A Global Call to Action was issued highlighting the facts associated with rotavirus and the commitment of those in attendance to move the agenda forward.

2 - 3 August 2010 - Read more

Regional Symposium on New Vaccines

Sabin and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) co-hosted the "Regional Symposium on New Vaccines" in Lima, Perú. On December 1-2 over 160 government leaders, physicians, researchers and other concerned stake holders came together to share the latest research on diseases and vaccine developments. Peruvian Minister of Health Dr. Oscar Ugarte Ubillus opened the meeting and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to advance new vaccines as important tools in public health.

1 - 2 December 2009 - Read more

Eighth International Rotavirus Symposium

The 8th International Rotavirus Symposium was held in Istanbul, Turkey on June 3-4, 2008. The meeting was a collaborative effort of the Sabin Vaccine Institute, PATH, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The event attracted representatives from over 67 countries who engaged the full range of scientific, social, and economic challenges that must be overcome in order to prevent this major killer of children.

3 - 4 June 2008 - Read more

Sub-regional Symposium on New Vaccines: Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Human Papilloma Virus (Colombia)

In February of 2008, around 50 immunization experts from the Americas gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, to discuss strategies for broadening the adoption of pneumococcus, rotavirus and HPV vaccines. The Sub-regional Symposium on New Vaccines provided an opportunity for health planners in Peru and Colombia to share their experiences, needs and goals; to dialogue with international researchers; and to lay the groundwork for adopting vaccines against these diseases, as well as establishing the surveillance necessary to measure their impact.

27 - 29 February 2008 - Read more

Sub-Regional Symposium on New Vaccines: Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Human Papilloma Virus (Venezuela)

The Sub-Regional Symposium on New Vaccines: Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Human Papilloma Virus, was held in Caracas, Venezuela, 29-30 January 2008. Over 85 Public health experts, clinicians, and policy makers from Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia, along with representatives of global health agencies examined the evidence available to decision makers, and discussed progress in addressing issues central to vaccine introduction. Safe, new vaccines for rotavirus, pneumococcus and human papilloma virus are available, and some have already been introduced in Latin America.

29 - 30 January 2008 - Read more

Sub-regional Symposium on New Vaccines: Pneumococcal and Rotavirus (Costa Rica)

In August of 2007, 70 immunization experts from the Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama gathered in San José, Costa Rica to discuss strategies for broadening the adoption of pneumococcus and rotavirus vaccines. The Sub-regional Symposium on New Vaccines: Pneumococcal and Rotavirus provided an opportunity for representatives of several Latin American countries to lay the groundwork for adopting vaccines against these diseases and to measure their impact.

20 - 21 August 2007 - Read more

Seventh International Rotavirus Symposium

The 7th International Rotavirus Symposium held in Lisbon, Portugal on July 12-13, 2006, brought together 350 participants from the European region to discuss the latest advances of Rotavirus vaccines. The objective of the meeting was to review the substantial progress made in two years toward safe, effective rotavirus vaccines and to address the challenge of ensuring that they get to the world’s poorest children.

12 - 13 June 2006 - Read more

Sixth International Rotavirus Symposium

The 6th International Rotavirus Symposium brought together 420 participants from the Latin American region to discuss the latest advances of Rotavirus vaccines. At the time of the conference, held in Mexico City on July 7-9, 2004, two rotavirus vaccines had recently become available.

7 - 9 July 2004 - Read more