Targeting Low-Income Countries With Cost-Effective Rotavirus Vaccines

Rotavirus is a common type of virus that infects the intestine in human body. Easily spread among infants and children, this virus is the most communal cause of diarrhea across the globe, which has caused the death of approximately 500,000 children annually.In few cases even adults become infected of the virus, however the illness is usually mild. 

It is observed that almost 95% of the respective virus happens in young children who belong to low-income countries including Asia and Africa. This can be due to the fact that lifesaving care is limited or not available at all in underdeveloped countries. 

 

In order to prevent oneself, vaccination is the best way that is highly contagious and easily responds to traditional diarrhea prevention methods.Since the year 2006, vaccination for rotavirus infection has been available in the market for public.

The Vaccines

In order to fight against rotavirus, a new vaccine by the name of ROTAVAC® is awaiting licensure in India. If approved, this vaccine could transform the rotavirus children prevention motive including adults cure. The vaccination will be as cheap as $1 per dose to protect children. PATH, a cross-sector partnership led by Indian Government was involved in the development of vaccine. It provided technical support on various basic as well as critical clinical trials and manufacturing issues. PATH is also in close coordination with the manufacturers in China, India, and the United States to safeguard other rotavirus vaccine candidates, out of whom some are under clinical trials.

Apart from this, there are two existing rotavirus vaccines available across the geographies and are highly safe to use. These vaccinations are so effective that countries have seen drastic reductions in severe and fatal diarrhea. 

The Future

After receiving license for ROTAVAC in India, the owners can submit the vaccine to World Health Organization for prequalification. This will be a significant step in targeting effected children all over the countries with the pocket-friendly vaccine.