Each year, millions of children across the world become seriously ill with a wide range of infections that place a huge burden on global health, and also upon the families and communities of the infected individuals. On one hand, much of this burden is easily avoidable through the use of commonly administered treatments and preventative measures. On the other hand, rapid advances in research and technology hold great promise for increasing the efficacy and safety of the therapies available to young patients and their families. Here, we examine some of the most exciting recent and upcoming research, deliveries, and innovations in the field of the prevention of pediatric infectious diseases.
The Challenge of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and, more recently, COVID-19 are a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. Child health outcomes could be improved if we can successfully prevent these diseases. Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation and a lack of access to health services further increase the risk children face.
Vaccination: The Cornerstone of Prevention
Vaccination is still the most efficient, cost-effective method of preventing infectious diseases among children As vaccination effectiveness improves, old constraints to its delivery are being overcome by new vaccine technology and distribution outlets.
1. mRNA Vaccines
The tremendous success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has now opened the way for the development of pediatric vaccinations against infectious diseases. As a refresher, mRNA vaccines can induce an immune response against particular pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine causes a specific set of cells to produce a protein that, in turn, elicits an immune response. Researchers are now testing the same methodology against other infectious diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, in addition to COVID-19.
Scientists believe mRNA vaccines can trigger strong immune responses and provide long-lasting immunity, potentially protecting against multiple variants of the same pathogen when the right booster is used. Most importantly, the rapid development of mRNA vaccines positions these candidates to effectively help us manage the next pandemic threat.
2. Combination Vaccines
A third innovation in the field of pediatric health is combination vaccines that help to protect against several diseases with just one shot. The pentavalent vaccine, for instance, protects children against five diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). New combined vaccines are being developed to address more pathogens in a single injection, thus reducing the number of shots and enhancing compliance.
Advances in Diagnostics
Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to proper treatment and timely preventive measures against infectious diseases, which adversely affect the human body. Latest developments in diagnostic and treatment technology are leading to the proper diagnosis of diseases, and also quick effective diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.
1. Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria, influenza, and other diseases are increasingly available. For example, an RDT can give a positive or negative result for malaria in a couple of minutes; patients with a positive result are treated promptly, and infections do not spread. Certain innovations in RDTs are improving their sensitivity and specificity.
2. Genomic and Molecular Techniques
Genomic and molecular approaches, including pathogen-specific diagnostic techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and next-generation sequencing, are set to transform infectious disease diagnostics. These methods can detect diseases at the genomic level with high efficacy, allowing us to track outbreaks and assess the effectiveness of vaccination programs.
Preventive Treatments and Therapeutics
Beyond the concept of vaccines and diagnostics, preventive treatments and therapeutics also play an increasingly important role in the decreasing burden of infectious diseases in children.
1. Antimicrobial Resistance
Critically, AMR represents one of the most significant ongoing threats to the successful treatment of infectious diseases in pediatrics. Although new antibiotics and alternative therapies continue to be developed, clever bacteria are always on the lookout for ways to become resistant to these treatments. The latest potential treatment is bacteriophage therapy, meaning ‘bacteria eaters’ or simply phages: viruses that infect bacteria.
2. Prophylactic Treatments
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), like the use of a daily pill to prevent HIV and malaria, is beginning to prove itself useful for preventing infection in children at risk, who might live in an endemic area or have frequent interactions with infected individuals.
Integrating Technology and Health Education
Technology and health education are playing crucial roles in enhancing infectious disease prevention efforts.
1. Mobile Health (mHealth) Technologies
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as health apps and digital platforms, are also helping to narrow the ‘digital health gap’. These tools can help parents and carers gain access to critical information on disease prevention, vaccination schedules, and symptom recognition. Through mHealth platforms, telemedicine consultations can help ensure continuity and access to essential primary care in remote areas.
2. Health Education and Community Engagement
Most effective are health education interventions that involve the community in the development and implementation of those programs, as we believe that communities should be an essential part of the healthcare equation. Preventing the spread of infectious disease involves interventions that involve the community in novel ways, including the incorporation of social media and other interactive tools of education.
Collaboration and Global Initiatives
Dealing with pediatric infectious diseases requires action at all levels: the law and regulations of different governments, the advocacy of international organizations, and the work of local communities. Some international initiatives and partnerships are already in place.
1. The Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI)
One such organization is the Global Vaccine Alliance or GAVI, a public-private partnership focused on expanding access to vaccines in poor-income countries, including spending on research and development, procurement and delivery of vaccines, and building the infrastructure required to implement immunization programs through strengthening health systems.
2. The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO)’s functions include co-ordinating global health initiatives and setting disease-prevention standards. This is evident in their many programs against infectious diseases, such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Global Malaria Programme, and the End Malaria Strategy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pediatric Infectious Disease Prevention
What does the next decade hold for the field of pediatric infectious disease prevention? We can reasonably feel optimistic because research and innovation in vaccine technology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and health education are advancing. Furthermore, the organizations that successfully carry these potential benefits forward to the level of children’s health are those that align their humanitarian mission with collaborative multilateral global enterprises.
To build on this momentum, we must continue investing in research, technology, and healthcare infrastructure. In doing so, we can ensure that pediatric infectious disease prevention maintains its established trajectory. Ultimately, these innovations can create a future where infectious diseases no longer pose a threat to children’s health.
In sum, the domain of pediatric infectious disease prevention is developing at great speed with the help of incredible breakthroughs and technical innovations, and with perseverance and collaboration, we are getting closer to a pediatric world that is free of infectious diseases.
