Mamaz

Rotavirus disease

• Rota virus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in children worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than 450,000 children each year, 85 percent of whom live in developing countries.
• Rota virus accounts for 37 percent of global child deaths attributable to diarrhea and 5 percent of all deaths in children younger than age five.
• Rota virus is found in all countries. Regardless of hygiene practices or access to clean water, nearly every child in the world will be infected with rota virus before age five.
• In young children, rotavirus disease is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and severe dehydration. In fatal cases, death is caused by severe dehydration due to rota virus infection.
• Rota virus disease cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs. Re hydration therapy is an important part of treating dehydration due to diarrheal diseases, including rota virus. Vaccination offers the best hope for preventing severe rota virus illness, particularly in settings where access to medical care is limited.

Rota virus vaccines

• There are two currently licensed vaccines against rota virus: Merck’s RotaTeq® and GlaxoSmithKline’s Rotarix®. Studies of these vaccines have demonstrated their safety and efficacy among children in every region of the world. Safety and efficacy trials in Africa and Asia found that the vaccines dramatically reduced severe disease among infants in developing countries, where the majority of rota virus deaths occur. Results from these trials are essential to national governments as they make informed decisions about introducing rota virus vaccines into the public sector.
• In 2009, the World Health Organization recommended that rota virus vaccines be included in every country’s immunization program.
• Where they have been introduced, rota virus vaccines are making a major impact—slashing hospitalizations due to rota virus, while also reducing hospitalizations for diarrhea of any cause. Rota virus is less prevalent among unvaccinated children, as well, suggesting herd immunity as an indirect result of rota virus vaccine introduction.
• While current manufacturers play an important role in meeting the global demand for the existing vaccines, additional vaccine options and manufacturers are critical to ensuring a sustainable, affordable supply. Several manufacturers are developing rota virus vaccines, including many from developing countries.
•   Rota virusvaccines are an important part of an integrated prevention and treatment strategy to control diarrheal disease. Other elements of this strategy include low-osmolarity oral re hydration solution; zinc supplementation, exclusive breastfeeding, proper nutrition, and safe water.

Related diseases

Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children in developing countries and the most common cause of childhood deaths in Africa. In addition to rota virus, there are many pathogens that contribute to morbidity and mortality from diarrheal disease, including Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the leading bacterial causes.

Where in Tanzania can we get Rotavirus vaccine?

In Tanzania, local government hospitals do not have this vaccine as it is termed as "EXPENSIVE". Hence the only hospitals that give this vaccine are private hospitals which according to sources are only two namely The Trauma Center and Premier Care Clinic located in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. However, these are the only private hospitals that provide this vaccine.


What is the Cost of the Vaccine?


At The Trauma Centre the vaccine is USD 75 and at Premier Care clinic it is TZS 120,000.

AWARENESS

The Rota virus Vaccine can only be given to a baby between 0-4months. Above this age bracket a child cannot be vaccinated. A professional doctor source says this is because Rota virus in children of the age bracket 0-4months is more severe than in older children. Though parents are advised to keep the children hydrated by either giving them lots of fluids n juice and ORS (Oral Re hydration Salts) come in handy when a child is infected by Rota virus. ORS consists of a solution of salts and sugars that is taken by mouth.

Mamaz lets be on the front line to make sure that our children get the best in so doing we will save our children's lives. No matter how expensive these vaccines are our children are priceless n they are the leaders of tomorrow so lets do our best to save their lives by vaccinating them!!