Glaxo's rotavirus jab wins WHO approval
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine against rotavirus, a disease which kills one child a minute in the developing world, has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation.
This is the first such vaccine to win "pre-qualification status", which certifies its quality, safety and efficacy and allows agencies such as Unicef to use it for mass vaccination programmes.
Glaxo's vaccines head, Jean Stephenne, said the vaccine Rotarix would be offered at tiered prices, with the lowest prices reserved for the public sector in the world's poorest countries.
Rotavirus infects virtually every child in the world within the first five years of its life and is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children. Europe accounts for 20 per cent of the total market for the vaccine. But poor provision of healthcare in developing countries makes the disease a killer as children suffering from diarrhoea-related diseases do not get effective treatment. Globally, rotavirus infections are responsible for more than 600,000 deaths per year.
Glaxo said it first registered Rotarix in Latin America and Africa due to the "dire healthcare provision" in countries there.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, rotavirus is responsible for 13,100 deaths each year. Around 170,000 children have to go to hospital with rotavirus gastroenteritis every year in Latin America, creating a massive economic, social and emotional burden.
The rotavirus market is estimated to be worth a potential £1bn to £1.3bn by 2010. Although children in about 50 countries are already being vaccinated, after yesterday's ruling this will increase to 90 countries.
WHO pre-qualification status facilitates the supply of vaccines to countries where they are most urgently needed.
Dr Jon Andrus, from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), said the decision will allow PAHO and other groups to buy vaccines on behalf of "resource-poor and middle-income countries".
Along with sales of its vaccines, Glaxo also runs a global education programme across 10 countries.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments