WHO calls for maternal vaccine, monoclonal antibody to protect babies against RSV
While the maternal vaccine -- RSVpreF -- can be given to pregnant women in their third trimester to protect their infant, the long-acting monoclonal antibody -- nirsevimab -- can be administered to infants from birth, just before or during the RSV season, stated the recommendations, published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER).
'Every year, RSV causes about 100,000 deaths and over 3.6 million hospitalisations in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. About half of these deaths occur in infants younger than 6 months of age,' the WHO said.
"The vast majority (97 per cent) of RSV deaths in infants occur in low- and middle-income countries where there is limited access to supportive medical care, such as oxygen or hydration," it added.
Although RSV causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold, including runny nose, cough, and fever, it can lead to serious complications. This can include pneumonia and bronchiolitis -– in infants, young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Both RSVpreF and nirsevimab were recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) for global implementation in September 2024. In addition, the maternal vaccine received WHO prequalification in March 2025, allowing it to be purchased by UN agencies.
While the vaccine can be given during routine antenatal care, nirsevimab is given as a single injection of monoclonal antibodies that starts protecting babies against RSV within a week of administration. It lasts for at least 5 months and can cover the entire RSV season in countries with RSV seasonality.
The global health body recommends that infants receive a single dose of nirsevimab right after birth or before being discharged from a birthing facility. If not administered at birth, the monoclonal antibody can be given during the baby's first health visit.
If a country decides to administer the product only during the RSV season rather than year-round, a single dose can also be given to older infants just before entering their first RSV season, the WHO said.
The greatest impact on severe RSV disease will be achieved by administering the monoclonal antibody to infants under 6 months of age. However, there is still a potential benefit among infants up to 12 months of age, it added.
'RSV is an incredibly infectious virus that infects people of all ages, but is especially harmful to infants, particularly those born premature when they are most vulnerable to severe disease,' said Dr Kate O'Brien, Director of Immunisation, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO.
'The WHO-recommended RSV immunisation products can transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalisations, and deaths, ultimately saving many infants lives globally,' O'Brien added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
WHO's '3 by 35' plan aims 50% tax hike on tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks
Your daily soda or cigarette may become significantly more expensive—but in a way that could save millions of lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday launched the '3 by 35 Initiative', aiming to increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50 per cent globally by 2035. Published in WHO's official news release on July 2, the plan targets a reduction in harmful consumption, generation of $1 trillion in public revenue over the next decade, and prevention of 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years. What is WHO's 3 by 35 initiative about? The 3 by 35 Initiative is WHO's latest strategy to reduce the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by targeting three high-risk products: tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks. The plan calls for a real price hike of at least 50 per cent by 2035 through higher health taxes. These products are among the leading causes of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that account for more than 75 per cent of global deaths, the WHO said. Why are higher health taxes important? Health taxes are a proven tool for reducing consumption of harmful products while raising significant government revenue. Between 2012 and 2022, around 140 countries increased tobacco taxes, resulting in over 50 per cent price rises and reduced smoking rates. WHO data suggests similar strategies applied to alcohol and sugary drinks could save lives and raise billions for public services. The WHO projects these taxes could generate an additional $1 trillion in revenue globally within 10 years. A single tax increase to raise prices by 50 per cent could generate as much as $3.7 trillion over five years—equivalent to 0.75 per cent of global GDP. These funds could strengthen national health systems, expand universal health coverage, and reduce reliance on external aid. Which countries have already benefited from health taxes? Countries like Colombia and South Africa have implemented successful health taxes, leading to reduced product consumption and increased public funds. However, some countries still offer tax breaks to industries producing these harmful products, which the WHO warns could undermine health outcomes. As part of the 3 by 35 plan, WHO and its global partners will help countries: • Design tailored health tax policies • Build political support and public consensus • Train officials for efficient tax implementation • Share best practices and regional models Why it matters now Noncommunicable diseases are the leading global killers, and lifestyle choices are central to this crisis. The 3 by 35 initiative shows how policy can help shift entire populations toward healthier living. Importantly, the resulting revenues could finance better hospitals, free vaccinations, and stronger public healthcare—creating a healthier future for all.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Is your rice toxic? Experts explain arsenic risks and how to stay safe
Rice is a kitchen staple in many homes, but it may not be as harmless as we think. A recent report has sparked worries, warning that rice sold in the United States contains dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic, which is a toxic metal linked to cancer, heart disease, and impaired brain development in children. The report, published by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a non-profit dedicated to reducing children's exposure to harmful chemicals, said that while the US and Italian rice are most toxic, Indian basmati and Thai jasmine rice are the safest choices. What is arsenic, and how does it get into our food? Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in soil, water, and air. Rice is particularly effective at absorbing it because it is often grown in flooded fields where arsenic dissolves easily and is taken up by the roots. The report titled What's in your family's rice? found that all 145 rice samples sold across US supermarkets contained inorganic arsenic—the most harmful form. Some samples had arsenic levels up to 28 times higher than other grains like quinoa or millet. What are the health risks of eating arsenic-contaminated rice? According to Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, frequent exposure to arsenic, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health issues. Over time, it can damage the skin, stomach, nerves, and liver, and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and lung or bladder cancer. Vulnerable groups at higher risk: There is no completely safe level of arsenic, especially inorganic arsenic, according to the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration. For drinking water, the limit is 10 parts per billion (ppb). In rice cereals for infants, the FDA allows a maximum of 100 ppb. Can cooking methods reduce arsenic in rice? How you cook your rice can make a difference. Dr Tayal and FDA guidelines recommend the following: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking Cook in excess water (6 parts water to 1 part rice), then drain the extra water This method can reduce arsenic content by up to 50 per cent. What are safer alternatives to rice? If you are concerned about arsenic, nutritionists suggest varying your grains by adding: Quinoa Barley Oats Farro Millet These grains are lower in arsenic and offer similar health benefits. Arsenic is present in many foods and even in drinking water, so complete avoidance is not possible. The key, experts say, is to minimise exposure by eating a varied diet, choosing low-arsenic rice like Indian basmati, and using safer cooking methods.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
WHO launches '3 by 35' initiative to tackle chronic diseases
New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) The World Health Organization (WHO) today unveiled its ambitious '3 by 35' initiative, urging nations to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035. The initiative comes as a direct response to the rising global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which now account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. 'Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,' said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO in a statement here. 'They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It's time to act.' Blatant spike in NCDs have placed an immense strain on global health systems, already grappling with reduced development aid and growing public debt. The call for higher taxes on these harmful products is expected to curb consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, and simultaneously generate much-needed public revenue for health infrastructure and prevention programs, added the statement. Recent studies highlight the potential of such measures, with projections suggesting that a one-time 50% price hike on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks could prevent as many as 50 million premature deaths over the next five decades. The initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising USD1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible. From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco, as per the statement. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. 'The WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health,' said the statement.
