Day 84: Short Listed

Rotavirus is on the short-list of childhood illnesses that is being dominated by research and science.  There is hope for children around the world, that they may not have to suffer from this virus for much longer and lives can be saved.  It is the most common cause for diarrheal diseases in children under the age of 5, and is the cause of more than 500,000 child deaths each year.

Huge steps have been made in the last decade in securing a safe vaccination against this disease, and it has become more widely used even in the last two years.  "In June 2009, the World Health Organization recommended that the rotavirus vaccination be included in all national immunization programs to provide protection against this virus...WHO announced that clinical trials of Rotarix vaccine “in high-mortality, low-socioeconomic settings of South Africa and Malawi, found that the vaccine significantly reduced severe diarrhea episodes due to rotavirus.” WHO now recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in all national immunization programs and the incidence of rotavirus disease in the United States has declined since introduction of rotavirus vaccination for children." Wikipedia

Isla received her vaccination, and took each of them (there are 3 doses) like a champ.  Slurped it down like it was candy.  Other children, all over the world, are going to be given the opportunity as well.  For some the journey will be to a nearby clinic, just down the street.  Others may have to travel a long way to receive this medicine.  But the distance is worth it.  No more upset tummies, dehydration, or diarrhea.  That is good news.


Living Proof | A Rotavirus Vaccine's Journey from ONE Campaign on Vimeo.

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