Rotavirus Disease - Coursework Example

Infectious Disease Name Course Lecturer Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Epidemiology in Malawi 3 Primary prevention 4 Current challenges 5 Rationale 6 Challenges of new strategies 7 Conclusion 9 References 11 Introduction Diarrhea is a leading cause of death across many African countries, leading to almost 12% of deaths in children under 5 years. Rotavirus on the other hand is the most common cause f severe diarrhea in young children worldwide ( Glass et al, 2006). In Africa alone, it is believed that more that 232,000 African children under five years die each year which is more than 600 children die every day. There have been various studies which have dictated that, rotavirus vaccines are safe and effective against severe rotavirus disease and are the most cost effective ways of intervention (Cunliffe et al, 2000). Unvaccinated population in middle income countries is typically low and in most cases, rotavirus gastro enteritis (RVGE) is reported in the first year of life. This diasease vaccine is administered in relation to the local EPI schedule. Epidemiology in Malawi Diarrhea causes the most deaths to the children in Malawi, with an approximation of 11% of deaths in children who are 5 years and below (Greenberg & Estes, 2009). At the same time, it is clear that a third of the diarrhea disease hospitalizations of Malawian children of less than five are caused by rotavirus. At the same time, studies show that vaccines are safe and effective against severe rotavirus disease and are also cost effective. In 2012, Malawi became the 10th GAVI eligible country to introduce rotavirus vaccines in it national immunization program (Cunliffe et al, 2000). There is high burden of rotavirus disease and power of rotavirus vaccines to prevent childhood deaths and hospitalizations, underscores the incredible potential for Malawi’s introduction of rotavirus vaccines to reduce child mortality. In a low income country like Malawi the median age at the primary rotavirus infection is 6-9 months (80% infants Read More