Recently, the organization ran a trial in Niger for a new rotavirus vaccine. According to the results of the trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it is safe, effective, and heat-stable. Also, the new vaccine is cheaper than existing options. Because of the low cost and the fact that the vaccine does not need to be refrigerated, it could save countless lives in sub-Saharan Africa, where children in remote areas are at increased risk of dying of diarrhea.
The study enlisted more than 4,000 children under 2 years of age. No major safety concerns arose during the trial, and the vaccine successfully protected against severe gastroenteritis. Because the vaccine costs less than $2.50, it could easily be integrated into existing routine immunization programs in countries were children are at risk and have limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.