Dear Colleagues,
As another year draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to reflect on both the continued challenges faced and the triumphs achieved in efforts to reduce the burden of rotavirus in children globally. In 2021, rotavirus remains a leading cause of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality among children under 5—a burden felt most heavily in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. While new rotavirus vaccine introductions were minimal this year and immunization coverage levels wavered globally, the rigor and persistence of public health efforts remained steadfast. Progress achieved in 2021 included encouraging new research on next generation injectable rotavirus vaccines and the RV3-BB neonatal rotavirus vaccine, WHO prequalifications of ROTAVAC 5D and ROTASIIL-Liquid, and the addition of rotavirus vaccines to the Humanitarian Mechanism. We are hopeful to make even greater strides in the new year, with a reinvigorated vision to regain lost ground and progress even further in our goals to protect the health of all children in 2022. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy start to the new year.
Regards,
Mathu Santosham
In this edition…
- Rotavirus Vaccine Updates In 2021
- Advocacy Initiatives and Resources of 2021
- New Research of 2021