The proof continues to mount-- rotavirus vaccines are cost-effective and are dramatically improving the health and well-being of children by substantially reducing severe and fatal diarrhea. This week, the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study “Rotavirus Vaccine and Health Care Utilization for Diarrhea in US Children” that shows in the three years following the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, 65,000 hospitalizations of US children under 5 years of age for diarrhea-related illness were averted, resulting in an incredible $278 million saved in associated treatment costs.
Before vaccines were introduced in the US in 2006, rotavirus was responsible for about 400,000 visits to doctor’s offices, 200,000 emergency room visits, 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations, and 20 to 60 deaths each year in children under 5 years of age. During the 2008 and 2009 rotavirus seasons (January to June), there was a significant 44 to 58% reduction in diarrhea-related hospitalizations and 37 to 48% fewer emergency room visits for diarrhea. The study also tracked rotavirus-related hospitalizations and found substantial decreases as well — a 75% decline for 2007–2008 and 60% decline for 2008–2009 in children under 5 years of age.
These findings strengthen the evidence-base for the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines to reduce the risk of disease, decrease hospitalizations, and save health care costs. However, rotavirus vaccines have only been introduced nationally in 30 countries. John Wecker, Director of Vaccine Access and Delivery at PATH, recently visited a pediatric ward in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a country that does not yet have access to rotavirus vaccines. During the rainy season, three or four children fill each of the beds, many suffering from severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus. Overflowing diarrhea wards during the rainy season, like the one John visited in Dar es Salaam, are unfortunately found across the African continent.
While the firsthand accounts are heartbreaking, there is hope for all children. As demonstrated by this CDC study and other recent studies, rotavirus vaccines save children’s lives in countries where children have access to them. In his reflections about his trip to Tanzania, John underscores the compelling case for widespread introduction of rotavirus vaccines, and looks forward to the day where pediatric wards in Tanzania and elsewhere no longer overflow with children suffering from rotavirus diarrhea.
There is a pressing need to rapidly increase affordable access around the world, and GAVI’s mission is to help countries like Tanzania rollout rotavirus vaccines and save children’s lives. On Tuesday, September 27, 2011 GAVI will be announcing countries approved to receive funding and support to introduce vaccines against rotavirus, pneumococcal disease and other child killers.
