 Rotavirus Vaccine Advocacy:
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Rotavirus Vaccine AdvocacyThe Institute launched an advocacy initiative in 2003 to call attention to the burden of a disease with devastating health impact--rotavirus. Ciro de Quadros, MD, MPH, SVI Director of International Programs, says, "The search for a rotavirus vaccine is a high priority of both the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization. The availability of such a vaccine will be a major contribution to the survival of children around the world." Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrheal deaths among children in developing countries. Each year, it claims the lives of 500,000 children, with at least 18,000 deaths occurring in Latin American and the Caribbean region. Such a vaccine will have a tremendous impact not only in improving health, but also in furthering the social development of the countries in which the disease has the greatest hold. "The Institute is in a unique position to encourage countries to make their vaccine programs a key priority, for all children and the entire society," said Dr. de Quadros. "The Institute has truly embraced the legacy of Dr. Albert B. Sabin, whom I knew as a great believer in the ability of vaccines to prevent human suffering due to preventable diseases." |
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