Boosting RSV prevention in AfRica: PrEparing for Effective implementation of RSV immuniZation in prEgnant women (BREEZE) (BREEZE)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of under-five (U5) morbidity and mortality, causing annually 33 millions of RSV lower respiratory infections, and 100.000 deaths in children U5. Half of these deaths occur in the first 6 months of life, and most of them (98%) in low- and middle-income countries. An RSV protein-based vaccine administered in pregnancy has recently demonstrated to protect infants from severe RSV illness and just received regulatory approval. To implement this vaccine in countries with low resources, health systems must be strengthened by improving vaccine safety monitoring, and advancing vaccine confidence and cost-benefit evidence. BREEZE is a multi-country implementation research project aimed at generating evidence and developing capacities for optimal introduction of RSV maternal vaccine. Our approach includes development and establishment of pregnancy and infancy registries in Mozambique, Uganda and Sierra Leone, embedded within national reporting systems, to gather baseline rates of pregnancy and infancy outcomes and any adverse event following immunization, that allow monitoring of potential safety signals once the new RSV maternal vaccine is introduced. We will investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices around RSV maternal vaccination and monitor
factors influencing vaccine confidence, as well as the cost-effectiveness of RSV vaccine delivery through ntenatal care. Research outputs will ultimately be leveraged to design RSV maternal immunization roadmaps at country level that support and guide policymakers around RSV vaccine introduction and phase IV evaluation. BREEZE will contribute to meet SDG3 related to child health and the WHO Immunization agenda 2030 to ensure equitable access and use of new and existing vaccines. Thus, this project falls within EDCTP3 scope of improving prevention of poverty-related diseases and child health, while contributing to networking between European and African institutions.