Epidemiological evaluation of rotavirus burden and potential impact of vaccination in Uganda

Abstract

Rotavirus is an RNA virus that causes diarrhoeal disease and represents a significant cause of hospitalisation and death in children under five worldwide. The disease burden is particularly high in developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, where the population is young, sanitation is often poor and access to healthcare limited. Vaccination against the virus has been available since 2006, but population vaccination schedules have not yet been introduced worldwide. Vaccination programmes, including those in several sub-Saharan countries, have been successful in significantly relieving the burden of disease. Uganda, which has one of the highest rotavirus-associated death rates in the world, is scheduled to introduce the vaccine into its national schedule during 2016. As such, it seems an appropriate time to assess the current epidemiological status of rotavirus infection in Uganda, and to discuss important factors that must be considered in the implementation of the vaccine. These factors include cost-effectiveness and a dosing schedule for maximal efficacy, while minimising potential dangerous side effects like intussusception. If implemented properly and effectively, the rotavirus vaccine stands to save millions of lives in Uganda and around the world. </p