RSV was responsible for 81 percent of hospitalizations due to respiratory infections during 2023, and the main cause of mortality in children under one year of age, they reported.
Pediatricians gathered at the “11th Regional Congress of Pediatrics”.
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Through an open letter addressed to the main national authorities, the pediatric doctors gathered at the “11th Regional Congress of Pediatrics request the provision to the Executive Branch and Congress of sufficient budget for the immunization against RSV in winter 2025 so that “no boy or girl under one year old is left without being protected.”
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)) currently constitutes the main threat of serious acute respiratory diseases for the Paraguayan child population, being the predominant cause of hospitalizations, admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICU) and deaths during the first year of life, specialists maintain.
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Professionals cite statistics from the year 2023, during which the RSV was responsible for 81 percent of hospitalizations for respiratory infections in children under one year of age, with the associated mortality concentrating in this population.
Vaccinating children against viruses prevents saturation of health services
“It annually generates a crisis in the national health systemcausing saturation of services, extraordinary expenses in treatments and a deep emotional impact on Paraguayan families,” says the released document.
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The Paraguayan Society of Pediatricstogether with national academic institutions, has developed a consensus that recommends the implementation of the Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody as the most effective and appropriate strategy for our country.
The professionals base their assertion on experiences in Chile, where after implementing said program since April 2024, hospitalizations due to RSV were reduced by 80 percent. completely eliminating the associated mortality during the year.
To achieve similar results in Paraguay, it is necessary to guarantee the immunization of at least 90,000 children under one year old.
Vaccinating children against viruses represents savings in treatments
A strategy limited to newborns and high-risk infants would be insufficient to achieve a significant population impact.
The implementation of a universal program will not only have a significant health and social impact, but will also generate a substantial savings to the national health system al prevent highly complex and high cost treatmentsstates the Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics.
“For these reasons, pediatric doctors from all over the country, gathered at the 11th Regional Congress of Pediatrics in the City of Encarnaciónwe request the national authorities – President of the Republic, Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Economy and Finance and the Legislators of the National Congress – the provision of sufficient budget for immunization against RSV in winter 2025 so that no boy or girl under one year old is left without being protected,” the document states.
The open letter is available on social networks: so that any citizen can join to the request by completing the form.
Prevention and care of the environment
We emphasize prevention through vaccines, and this year special attention is dedicated to the quality of the environment, air, and water.
Vaccines are as effective as drinking water to prevent diseases, said Dr. María José Sánchez, one of the spokespersons for the Regional Pediatric Congress that takes place in Encarnación.
Dr. María José Sánchez, spokesperson for the “11 Regional Congress of Pediatrics” taking place in Encarnación.
The professional pointed out that prevention involves improve the vaccination schedulewith the inclusion of the hexavalent vaccinefor the prevention of one of the most widespread respiratory diseases that affects children under one year of age.
He also mentioned the importance of more effective involvement of parents and teachers, who are key allies in this prevention strategy.
bronchiolitis
Dr. Sánchez highlighted the need to include immunization against influenza in the vaccination schedule. bronchiolitisa disease with a strong impact on public health, with frequent consultations in the emergency room, and its consequence on the use of resources in hospitalizations and medical treatments.
It also has a strong impact on the parental work absences that they must carry and accompany their children in hospitalizations, he explained.
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The regional pediatrics congress is an event that takes place every two years, organized by the Paraguayan Society of Pediatricsand brings together professionals and researchers specialized in health from across the country and the region.
The president of the 11th Congress is Dr. Claudia Flecha.
“Getting vaccinated is power”
This year the congress adopted the motto “Our commitment: good care of the child, his family and the environment”and emphasizes the role of pediatricians in promoting the comprehensive well-being of children and their families.
“Pediatrics is based on prevention as one of its main pillars, and this congress reinforces this approach, highlighting the importance of campaigns such as ‘Getting vaccinated is power’”, its organizers maintain.
There were training sessions such as vaccine workshops, with the participation of Lic. Luis Cousirat, director of the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI). During the workshop, topics such as the hexavalent vaccine, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus were addressed.
Dr. Héctor Castro, spoke about the future of the vaccine against influenza; Prof. Dr. Celia Martínez de Cuellar, spoke about the learning obtained after one year of the implementation of the hexavalent vaccine.
They were special guests doctors Ximena Juárez and Laura Praíno, specialists from Argentina.
RSV: The Uninvited Guest At Children’s Parties
Gather round, folks! Health professionals gathered at the 11th Regional Congress of Pediatrics, and boy, do they have a serious message about RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus for those of you not keeping up with your medical jargon. It turns out that RSV was responsible for a staggering 81 percent of hospitalizations due to respiratory infections in children under one year of age this past year. One might say it’s the real-life villain in a superhero movie, but let’s keep the cape-wearing for charity events, shall we?
The Stakeholders Speak
These pediatricians—bless their hearts—have penned an open letter to national authorities, demanding sufficient funding to ensure that “no boy or girl under one year old is left unprotected.” Because let’s be honest, who leaves kids unprotected? It’s like hosting a birthday party and forgetting to invite the birthday child. Just rude!
The reality is RSV is a major player on the health scene, responsible for a shocking amount of serious illnesses among Paraguayan children. This is no laughing matter, and yet, here we are, making puns—apparently the only way to cope with grim statistics.
Money Matters in Healthcare
Now, speak about money, which seems to be the omnipresent elephant in the room. Every time RSV shows up, it creates a crisis in the national health system—causing service saturation and extraordinary expenses. We’re not talking about a fancy dinner out; we’re talking serious “I need to mortgage my house” expenses. And in this country, that is a very real concern!
The Evidence Speaks Volumes
The pediatricians have found wisdom from afar—good ol’ Chile, for instance—where implementing a vaccination program against RSV slashed hospitalizations by 80 percent. They practically sent RSV packing and slammed the door behind it! All that’s needed for Paraguay to find similar success? A mere guarantee of immunization for 90,000 children under one year old. Sounds simple, right? Well, that’s where the budget comes back into play…
More Than Just an Immunization
Pediatric specialists make it clear that a limited approach focusing only on newborns is simply insufficient. They’ve done the math: a universal immunization program could save the national health system significant expenses, while also making sure our littlest citizens have less time with RSV and more time enjoying cake and toys—important business for toddlers!
Prevention Is Key
And here’s the kicker! Dr. María José Sánchez, one of the spokespersons for the Congress, highlighted that vaccines are as effective as drinking water in preventing diseases. Unless, of course, you’re drinking water from a questionable source. But I digress! The point drummed home is the need to strengthen our vaccination schedule and involve parents more effectively in all this preventive magic. An army of parents with a singular goal? Now that’s a strategy I’d invest in!
Embrace the Change
This congress gets it—the motto is: “Our commitment: good care of the child, his family and the environment.” Seriously, folks, getting vaccinated is not just a good idea—it’s a POWERFUL idea! Let’s stop RSV in its tracks and make sure children can live, laugh, and grow up to be our future doctors, comedians, or… whatever they dream of being.
In Conclusion
So here’s the bottom line: RSV is no laughing matter, but we can laugh while tackling serious issues. We need to raise the funds, implement a universal vaccination program, and get our littlest ones protected. Let’s leave them with bright futures and fewer hospital visits. Together, we can keep RSV off the guest list—because nobody wants a virus crashing their party!
Google Scholar
In recent discussions at the **11th Regional Congress of Pediatrics** held in Encarnación, Paraguay, health professionals emphasized the urgent need to address the impact of **Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)** on young children, particularly in light of alarming statistics from 2023. RSV was cited as the cause of **81 percent of hospitalizations** for respiratory infections in infants under one year old, highlighting its significant threat to this vulnerable population.
### The Call for Action
Driven by this crisis, the **Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics**, along with national academic institutions, issued a consensus calling for the implementation of **Nirsevimab**, a monoclonal antibody, as the most effective strategy to combat RSV. Their recommendations are supported by data from **Chile**, where similar vaccination efforts led to an **80 percent reduction** in hospitalizations due to RSV, effectively eliminating associated mortality in that demographic.
### Budgeting for Immunization
To replicate this success in Paraguay, the pediatrics community advocates for the immunization of at least **90,000 children** under one year old. The congress attendees urged national authorities, including the President and relevant ministers, to allocate a sufficient budget to ensure no child misses out on RSV protection in the upcoming winter of 2025.
### Economic Impact
Health professionals pointed out that the costs associated with RSV-related hospitalizations not only burden families emotionally but also lead to **extraordinary expenses for the national health system**. A universal vaccination program is seen as not just a health measure but also a **financial strategy** that could significantly reduce high-cost treatments and alleviate pressure on healthcare services.
### Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
The congress, themed **”Our commitment: good care of the child, his family, and the environment,”** aimed to enhance awareness around the critical role of vaccination and the improvement of the vaccination schedule to include **hexavalent vaccines** and **influenza immunizations**. Experts stressed the necessity of parental involvement and community education in these preventive health strategies.
### Conclusion
The efforts presented at the congress underscore the belief that vaccination is a powerful tool in promoting child health and preventing the grave impacts of diseases like RSV. As healthcare providers push for actionable change, they convey a clear message: protecting children from RSV is not just a medical need, but a societal obligation that requires collaboration and funding.