The Rotavirus Organization of Technical Allies (ROTA) Council

Goal of the ROTA Council To accelerate the introduction of rotavirus vaccines through the use of evidence and strategic communications targeting policymakers and other key decisions makers 

Chair Core Partners Mathuram Santosham USA Deborah Atherly USA Jon Andrus USA George Armah Ghana Mamadou Ba Senegal Julie Bines Australia Lulu Bravo Philippines Nigel Cunliffe UK Shams El Arifeen Bangladesh Carlo Giaquinto Italy Roger Glass USA Zulkifli Ismail Malaysia Mathuram Santosham USA Core Partners Gagandeep Kang India Li Li China Alexandre Linhares Brazil Erkin Musabaev Uzbekistan Tony Nelson Hong Kong Deborah Atherly USA Umesh Parashar USA Kathleen Neuzil USA Vesta Richardson Mexico Duncan Steele USA Oyewale Tomori Nigeria K. Zaman Bangladesh

Why the ROTA Council is needed Tremendous progress has been made, but more work is needed to reach all children who need these vaccines − particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. That’s where we focus. To date, more than 80 countries have countries have introduced rotavirus vaccines into their national immunization programs. Gavi countries

What the ROTA Council does As credible scientific authorities, we provide evidence for decision making by: Communicating the rotavirus burden and need for prevention Delivering accurate information on vaccine safety and efficacy, underscoring the availability, affordability and life-saving, health-improving potential of vaccines Serving as an independent body for the latest evidence on rotavirus vaccines Working to ensure that vaccines are seen as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing all of diarrhea’s causes

How the ROTA Council works Technical symposia and workshops to update researchers, clinicians, policy-makers, and others on key technical topics around rotavirus, including rotavirus diarrhea, global and regional burden of disease, available vaccines, vaccine impact, costing and financing, etc. Advocacy symposia and workshops to train pediatricians, researchers, and others on effective advocacy strategies for rotavirus vaccines Advocacy and technical materials to support efforts of Council members, partners, vaccine advocates, and others Scientific consensus building among Council members and other key experts on critical technical topics, such as intussusception Media engagement around the need to introduce rotavirus vaccines through commentaries, opinion editorials, and interviews Decision maker engagement to discuss process, key barriers and information needs, and potential plans for introduction with Ministry of Health officials

ROTA Council white paper Intussusception meeting report Recent publications ROTA Council white paper Intussusception meeting report

ROTA Council advocacy toolkit Advocacy resources ROTA Council advocacy toolkit Talking points Fact sheets Data Presentations Reports rotacouncil.org/toolkit