Interview with Dr. Ciro de Quadros of The Sabin Vaccine Institute

Dr de Quadros has also worked for the World Health Organization as Chief Epidemiologist for the Smallpox Eradication Program in Ethiopia. He participated in the pioneering development of surveillance and containment strategies for smallpox eradication and directed successful polio and measles eradication efforts for the Western Hemisphere. He is an Associate Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Tropical Medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He completed his medical and public health studies in Brazil.

What are the major challenges to child survival and health in the poorest Latin American countries?

Access is the single largest challenge to child health and survival in Latin America.  Access to food, to safe drinking water and access to appropriate and affordable medical care, including the newest vaccines is lacking in many parts of the region.  These issues of access combine to create a situation where pneumococcal disease and rotavirus become the leading causes of childhood death in Latin America.

What role have vaccines played in addressing those health issues?

Vaccines are an essential part of a health system.  Vaccines have been critical for the eradication of smallpox and more recently the eradication of polio and measles from the Western Hemisphere. While vaccines help prevent disease and reduce the associated costs, they also enable people to live healthier and more productive lives.  The challenge of pneumococcal disease in Latin America is one that can be addressed through the introduction of a vaccine against pneumococcus into national immunization schedules. 

What is the extent of awareness of the burden of childhood pneumonia in the Latin American region?

Pneumonia is still overlooked as one of the greatest threats to children's health and survival.  However, through our efforts and those of our partners, we have been able to increase the awareness of pneumonia to the point where countries are taking steps to introduce pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

How is the Sabin Institute involved in ensuring access to vaccines for Latin American children?

Sabin is working with its partners through the Pneumococcal Awareness Council of Experts (PACE) to reach policy makers, scientific societies and governments.  Regional meetings are held periodically, bringing together public health officials, researchers, government officials, policy makers and industry to exchange information and help overcome barriers and increase access to lifesaving vaccines.

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