Evidence of reduction of rotavirus diarrheal disease after rotavirus vaccine introduction in national immunization programs in the African countries: Report of the 11th African rotavirus symposium held in Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract

The 11^th African Rotavirus Symposium was held in Lilongwe, Malawi from May 28^th to 30^th 2017. Over 270 delegates (73% from Africa) from 40 countries of which 30 (75%) were from African countries attended the symposium. Participants in this symposium included research scientists, clinicians, immunization managers, public health officials, policymakers and vaccine manufacturers. At the time of the symposium, 38 of the 54 (70%) countries in Africa had introduced rotavirus vaccines into their national immunization schedules. Delegates shared progress from rotavirus surveillance and vaccine impact monitoring, demonstrating the impact of the vaccine against rotavirus diarrheal hospitalizations. Data supported the beneficial effect and safety of WHO pre-qualified available vaccines up to 2017 (RotaTeq, Rotarix). This symposium highlighted the dramatic impact of the rotavirus vaccination, called for urgent adoption of these vaccines in remaining countries, particularly those with high disease burden and large birth cohorts (e.g. Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo) to attain the full public health benefits of rotavirus vaccination in Africa.

Keywords: African rotavirus symposium; Diarrhea; Rotavirus; Vaccine.