The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, has disclosed that rotavirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease, is responsible for the tragic demise of over 330 African children under the age of five every day.
This revelation was made during the 14th African Rotavirus Symposium, which brought together experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers from across Africa and beyond in Abuja.
Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in children, primarily affects those below the age of five, with most infections occurring before their second year of life.
The disease ranks among the leading causes of death in children worldwide, making rotavirus the most common culprit.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of children contract the virus before they reach 18 months of age, contributing to half of the global deaths attributed to rotavirus.
The impact of rotavirus is devastating, leading to countless hospitalizations, misuse of antimicrobials, and tragically, the loss of lives.
Families and healthcare systems bear a significant burden due to the widespread prevalence of this disease, which continues to plague the continent.
However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Since 2009, African countries have taken proactive measures to combat this epidemic by introducing rotavirus vaccination into their routine immunization schedules.
South Africa, the earliest adopter of this vaccination, began administering rotavirus vaccines in 2009. These vaccines have proven to be safe, offering broad protection, reducing rotavirus-related hospitalizations, and proving to be cost-effective.
The ongoing symposium serves as an exceptional opportunity for experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and enhance knowledge about the disease.
It provides a platform for discussions on the latest advancements in rotavirus prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to combat rotavirus and improve the health outcomes of African children.
He referred to the symposium as a gathering of great minds and passionate individuals committed to making a positive difference in the fight against this devastating disease.
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