Background and objectives
Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrheal hospitalizations and deaths among children worldwide. Development of rotavirus vaccines has been a global health priority for many years, and introduction is now becoming a reality in several parts of the world. Decision-makers in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East are now considering rotavirus vaccine introduction, and the recent availability of subsidized support from the GAVI Alliance also allows for such consideration in low-income countries of these regions. Clinical trials to demonstrate vaccine efficacy in resource-poor countries of Africa and Asia are in advanced stages and will inform future introduction.
The 8th International Rotavirus Symposium will bring together scientists, clinicians, public health professionals, immunization leaders, vaccine industry representatives, and members of the donor community. The event aims to provide an update on relevant research that will inform public health agendas related to rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Venue
The 8th International Rotavirus Symposium will be held on 3 – 4 June, 2008, at the Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel, located at Buyukdere Caddesi, 49, Istanbul, Turkey.
Main session topics
Participants will discuss the latest research results, trials of new rotavirus vaccines, issues in vaccine policy and introduction, and early post-marketing data on vaccine impact and safety. Scheduled sessions include:
• Epidemiology and burden of rotavirus disease
• Development of rotavirus vaccines
• Introduction of new rotavirus vaccines
• Experience with routine use of rotavirus vaccines
• The next steps for rotavirus vaccines
Participants
The target audience includes policymakers, national public health and financial authorities, national immunization program managers, members of pediatric and infectious disease societies, scientists, researchers, representatives of bilateral and multilateral development and financial agencies, and other partners involved in supporting immunization programs.
Because of great enthusiasm and interest from these communities, as well as the manufacturers currently involved in rotavirus vaccine development, 300 to 400 attendees are expected.
Call for posters (deadline extended: 1 May 2008)
The Scientific Organizing Committee is calling for posters relevant to rotavirus, rotavirus vaccines, and rotavirus vaccine introduction. Abstracts should be submitted to rvpinfo@path.org.
Please limit your abstract proposal to one (1) page. A copy of each of the accepted poster abstracts will be included in the symposium program book. Your abstract should include the following information:
• Contact Information: Include name, address, phone and fax numbers, email address (expect most correspondence by email). This item does not count in the page limit.
• Author(s)
• Title
• Abstract: 350 – 400 word limit with 4 sections (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions). If the poster is accepted, this abstract is the description that will be published (verbatim) in the symposium program book. Please be sure it is accurate.
Conference website
Conference updates and other relevant information, including a working agenda and session abstracts, are posted at www.rotavirus2008.com .
Conveners
• Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute
• Fogarty International Center
• Norwegian Institute of Public Health
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• PATH
Scientific Organizing Committee
• Dr. Ciro de Quadros, Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute
• Dr. Roger Glass, Fogarty International Center
• Dr. John Wecker, PATH
• Dr. Umesh Parashar, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Dr. Duncan Steele , PATH (formerly World Health Organization)
• Dr. Elmira Flem, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Contact information
Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute
1889 F Street, NW, Suite 200S
Washington, DC 20006-4400
Tel (202) 842-5025
Fax (202) 842-7689
sabin@sabin.org
Top photo by Richard Lord.