WHO Urges Global Rollout of Maternal Vaccination and RSV Prevention Measures Amid Growing Disease Threat

GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 2024 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has made a landmark recommendation to all countries to introduce maternal vaccination and/or long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a preventive measure against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in young infants.

This significant development marks an exciting step towards scaling up the use of these innovative lifesaving interventions globally. The WHO report highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to accelerate product availability and utilization in low- and middle-income markets, where RSV disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

To tackle this pressing issue, partners such as PATH are working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop crucial tools and evidence-based information necessary for informed decision-making and effective implementation planning. The global response is poised to make a tangible difference in reducing morbidity and mortality linked to RSV infections worldwide.

The WHO's SAGE guidance underscores the imperative need for raising awareness, overcoming obstacles to introduction, and curtailing the timeframe for product roll-out in regions requiring it most. As the world comes together to confront this pressing threat, international collaboration, research, and innovation will be crucial in harnessing these game-changing interventions to save countless lives.