MUSCAT : This initiative, highlighted in the fourth edition of the National Immunization Program Guide and the Omani Immunization Guide, introduces the rotavaccine for infants born from November 2023 onward. The vaccine, administered in two doses at two months and four months of age, shields children from severe diarrhoea caused by the rotavirus.

H.E. Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al-Sabti, Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of immunization in creating a healthier society aligned with international standards. He highlighted Oman’s strides in healthcare initiatives and unveiled plans to strengthen the nation’s health sector.

Dr. Saeed bin Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, outlined the Ministry’s commitment to eradicating infectious diseases, emphasizing the updated National Vaccine Action Strategy as a roadmap to achieve fortified immunization coverage by 2030. He disclosed that globally, rotavirus-induced diarrhoea affects approximately 111 million cases annually, with an estimated 60,000 patients in Oman, contributing to around 6,000 hospitalizations annually.

The introduction of the rotavaccine, aiming to immunize around ninety thousand children annually, is projected to reduce hospitalizations due to rotavirus by 90%. The Ministry is investing about 1 million OMR to treat diarrhoea caused by the rotavirus.

Highlighting the efficacy of immunization programs, Dr Al Lamki underscored Oman’s achievements in vaccine management and the country’s recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 as measles and rubella-free. He also emphasized the success of the National Immunization Program in significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates from infectious diseases among children.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.