Since 1995, continued progress in the realm of child survival is thanks to high-impact, low-cost tools like vaccines and oral rehydration solution. Similar principles apply to COVID-19.
Since 1995, continued progress in the realm of child survival is thanks to high-impact, low-cost tools like vaccines and oral rehydration solution. Similar principles apply to COVID-19.
In Africa, 90% of cholera cases occur in hotspots occupied by less than 5% of the population. Deploying prevention and treatment tools where the burden is highest will ultimately yield a greater return on investment.
Infectious disease burden, shown here through ETEC and Shigella data, is frequently uneven within countries. High-burden pockets should guide policymaker priorities.
Three health system “musts” for immediate and long-term efforts: equitable access to medical technologies like vaccines; WASH infrastructure in health facilities; and a sufficient, well-trained, and well-equipped workforce.
Local, uneven disease burden demonstrates the value of data in fighting disease.
Supply chains for essential medicines, like oral rehydration solution and zinc for diarrhea, are critical to protecting children from common and deadly infections that could see an increase throughout the pandemic.
A pilot program by WaterAid demonstrated that integrating hygiene education and routine immunization can improve the uptake of both prevention tools.
Greater access to rotavirus vaccines result in fewer children hospitalized with deadly diarrhea.
“Children may be at relatively low risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19 but at high risk from other diseases that can be prevented with vaccines,’’ says Dr. Tedros, World Health Organization. Almost half of all infants still lack access to rotavirus vaccine, mostly in Asia.
As the world races toward a COVID-19 vaccine, access must be top of mind. Lessons from rotavirus vaccine development can help.