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  • Title: Hib vaccine introduced in The Gambia.
    Author: Wenger J.
    Journal: Afr Health; 1997 Nov; 20(1):13, 15. PubMed ID: 12348371.
    Abstract:
    Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most common infectious cause of childhood death in Africa. Most deaths from ARI are caused by bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib is also the most common bacterial cause of meningitis, except in those areas with outbreaks of meningococcal disease. Up to 40% of infants with meningitis die, and many of the survivors have permanent deafness and brain damage. Until recently, however, early diagnosis and treatment was the only defence against these infections. The newly developed Hib conjugate vaccines have been shown to be effective against Hib meningitis and pneumonia, and are now routinely used in infants in more than 25 countries around the world. A study of the efficacy of the vaccine in The Gambia's Western Region in 1993-95 showed that it was 95% effective in preventing meningitis and bloodstream infection, and 100% effective in preventing pneumonia. Hib vaccine was introduced this year in The Gambia as a routine immunization for children, to be given in the same injection as DTP at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. A 1-year study is underway to evaluate the impact of the vaccine upon disease. Trials are now underway for new pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines which may be ready for wider use within 5-10 years.
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