RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause severe illness, particularly in infants, young children, and older adults. It is the leading cause of pneumonia hospitalizations and deaths in babies under two years old, and 97% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, where access to advanced medical care is limited. However, RSV also remains a significant threat in the U.S., contributing to seasonal hospital surges and straining healthcare resources.
At The Task Force for Global Health’s Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives (PIVI), we are committed to building sustainable vaccination programs that save lives. Our work focuses on bolstering immunization efforts and ensuring vaccines reach those who need them most, so countries are ready for the next pandemic. As we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the strength of a country’s vaccine delivery system is critical to its ability to respond effectively to health crises. Countries with well-established influenza vaccination programs were better equipped to manage outbreaks—not just of influenza but of COVID-19 as well. Now, we have an opportunity to apply those lessons to another major threat: RSV.
Why RSV Is a Growing Global Health Concern
The good news? We now have effective RSV immunizations that can protect vulnerable populations, including young infants and the elderly. New vaccines against RSV are designed to be given to pregnant women, who transfer the antibodies generated by the vaccine to their babies before they are born. In this way, babies have protection during the first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable to severe disease and death. RSV immunization programs that target pregnant women also help build maternal vaccine programs that are needed during emergencies, providing a key strategy for pandemic readiness
But having a vaccine is only half the battle—ensuring its widespread availability and uptake is where organizations like PIVI make a critical difference. PIVI recently convened an international meeting in Santiago, Chile that brought together experts that are leading new RSV vaccination programs around the world. The meeting was an opportunity to share early lessons and best practices to accelerate expansion of RSV programs globally. PIVI is also working with the Gates Foundation to support understanding of RSV disease in low-income countries where prevention is most important.
How PIVI Is Leading the Fight Against RSV
PIVI has a proven track record of strengthening vaccine delivery systems, particularly for influenza. Our partnerships with governments, health organizations, and private-sector donors have helped expand immunization programs in countries with limited resources. By leveraging our expertise in maternal and elderly influenza vaccination, we are uniquely positioned to support the rollout of RSV vaccines where they are needed most.
With the right investments, we can prevent millions of hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. Expanding RSV vaccination programs will not only save lives but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems, allowing for better global pandemic preparedness.
This is where we need your help. By supporting PIVI, you are directly contributing to efforts that protect the world’s most vulnerable populations from deadly respiratory diseases. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient health systems that benefit communities worldwide—and here at home.
Now is the time to act. Join us in making a lasting impact.