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India continues to grapple with a significant burden of diarrheal diseases among children under five years of age, with rotavirus identified as a leading cause. Experts emphasize that expanding rotavirus vaccination coverage and improving sanitation are critical strategies to reduce the prevalence and impact of these diseases.
The Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination
Rotavirus infections account for approximately 40% of moderate to severe diarrhea cases in children under five in India. Before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, the country witnessed over 78,000 pediatric deaths annually due to rotavirus gastroenteritis. Since its integration into India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 2016, significant progress has been made in reducing the disease burden. Studies show that children who received all three doses of the vaccine were 16% less likely to experience diarrhea compared to unvaccinated children.
Moreover, data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) highlights a decline in diarrheal prevalence from 9.2% in 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 7.3% in 2019-21 (NFHS-5), representing a 20.6% reduction. Research indicates that rotavirus vaccines can reduce rotavirus diarrhea incidence by up to 60–70%, preventing approximately 27,000 deaths, 220,000 hospitalizations, and millions of outpatient visits annually.
Challenges in Vaccine Efficacy
Despite its success, vaccine efficacy remains suboptimal in low-resource settings like India compared to developed countries. Factors such as coinfections with other enteric pathogens and host-related variables may contribute to this reduced effectiveness. Nonetheless, indigenously developed vaccines like ROTAVAC® and ROTASIIL® have made vaccination affordable and accessible across India.
The Role of Sanitation and Hygiene
While vaccination is the most effective intervention against rotavirus diarrhea, experts stress that improved sanitation and hygiene practices are vital complementary measures. Access to clean drinking water, proper handwashing techniques, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and adequate nutrition can further mitigate the risk of diarrheal diseases.
Policy Implications
The introduction of rotavirus vaccines into India’s UIP has been a milestone achievement. However, continued efforts are required to expand vaccination coverage across all states and union territories while simultaneously promoting sanitation initiatives. These measures align with global strategies like the UN’s Every Woman Every Child movement and WHO’s recommendations for comprehensive diarrheal disease control.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information from scientific studies and government reports. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals or official sources for personalized medical advice or updates on immunization programs.
Citations:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10239013/
