gave Conference of State Territories An immunization plan to protect newborns was approved. Respiratory syncytial virus (VRS), one of the main causes of Inflammation of the bile ducts in children. The drug of choice is the monoclonal antibody nersivumab, which will be given free of charge from November. The initial recipients will be newborns born after that month, those born “in the last 100 days”, meaning from the end of July, and fragile children under 24 months of age.
50 million allocated for equal access to medicines
Maria Rosaria Campitello, head of the Department of Prevention at the Ministry of Health, announced: “We succeeded. Allocate 50 million euros. to allow equal access to all newborns already this winter.” He then added: “A result that honors the commitment of Minister Shilaki and what we have achieved in collaboration with the regions. have achieved Collaboration and coordination are once again strategic factors for strengthening health protection.
The agreement stipulates that LThe activity will start from November.at least it will last. Six months and may be expanded based on results and resource availability. The €50 million investment will be approved by mid-November as part of the 2024 National Health Fund allocation.
Syncytial Virus: What It Involves.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a serious threat to infants and young children. In the most critical, it can turn into bronchiolitis, which causes Serious complications and hospitalization. globally, It causes about 100,000 deaths a year. In children under five years of age. In 2023, in Italy, there were 15 thousand hospitalizations for bronchiolitis, including 3 thousand in intensive care, with 16 deaths.
Nervemumab, a monoclonal antibody now freely available, is the long-awaited answer. It is able to reduce hospitalizations by 90 percent, without waiting for the immune system to respond, providing immediate protection to infants. Finally, infants in Italy will be able to face the epidemic season with an effective shield.
Who will be able to get the drug?
Will join the campaign. Babies born after November and babies born in the last 100 days. The most fragile infants under 24 months of age will also be included. Depending on initial results, the project may be gradually expanded to cover the entire 2024 cohort.
To ensure that all regions have the necessary food, a “solidarity transfer” mechanism is in place: 20% of the food purchased by some regions will be shared with those who have yet to receive it. Not equipped. Distribution will begin in November, last for six months, and may be extended based on resource availability.
Opinions from the medical field
Luigi Orfeo, President of the Italian Society of Neonatologywelcoming the agreement, declared: “It is good to have a clearing house with a unified mechanism to ensure immediate food availability in all regions. I would allow inequality to escape, which would have been unacceptable.
Orfeo also explained that the company manufactures medicine. Will guarantee 75% newborn coverage.With mandatory mechanisms that will allow you to get complete coverage. “The epidemic season is about to start and the peak is expected between November and December. The campaign starting from the beginning of November will therefore make it possible to protect all newborns from the risks.”
