#Egypt #Cairo #maternal immunization #RSV Prevention #Pfizer MERA

Addressing RSV: Insights from the Pfizer MERA Maternal Immunization Summit

On May 16-17, 2025, Cairo hosted the Pfizer Middle East, Russia, and Africa (MERA) Maternal Immunization Summit named "Born Ready"—a significant event bringing together over 80 healthcare professionals from various regions. This summit specifically examined the rising threat of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among newborns and how maternal immunization can play a pivotal role in its prevention.

Maternal Immunization as a Key Solution

As attendees delved into the intricacies of maternal vaccination, they reinforced the importance of raising awareness about RSV and its implications on neonatal health. The discussions were centered around several key points:

• - The critical function of maternal vaccinations in preventing RSV, thereby protecting newborns.
• - The sharing of best practices and strategies to overcome obstacles to maternal immunization adoption.
• - The roles healthcare providers can play in improving the implementation of immunization programs.

One of the keynote speakers, Professor Irene Cetin from the University of Milan, explained how maternal antibodies transmitted through the placenta provide essential protection to infants during their early weeks. This natural transfer, which ramps up in the second and third trimesters, underscores the notion that vaccinating mothers can significantly enhance the immunity of newborns against infectious diseases like RSV.

Professor Mohamed Momtaz also elaborated on this point, emphasizing that in healthy full-term infants, the concentration of fetal IgG antibodies often surpasses that of the maternal blood, providing better protection against infections.

The Global Surge of RSV Infections

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RSV is responsible for a staggering number of lower respiratory infections in children under the age of five. With millions of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of annual deaths, the urgent need for effective preventive measures is clear. This desire for action is especially pressing in the Middle East, where RSV experiences a seasonal spike during winter months.

Professor Hossam Al Tatari noted that RSV is a prevalent infection affecting nearly every child by the age of two. While mild in older children and adults, RSV can lead to severe complications in newborns and immunocompromised individuals. Hence, emphasizing maternal immunization can be crucial in mitigating health risks for these vulnerable populations.

Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy

Dr. Hammam Haridy, Senior Director of Regional Medical Scientific Affairs at Pfizer MERA, pointed out that despite the alarming statistics regarding RSV impact, there remains a significant gap in consistent data collection across the MENA region. Addressing vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers and the public is essential to amplify the uptake of maternal vaccinations.


Educational forums like the Maternal Immunization Summit function as platforms for healthcare stakeholders to come together, exchange data, and address concerns, ultimately leading to more effective communication and outreach.

Collaboration for Future Success

Both WHO recommendations and pediatric experts underline the need for collaborative solutions in preventing RSV through vaccinations or monoclonal antibodies. Merih Cetinkaya, a pediatric expert from Turkey, highlighted how communicable diseases like RSV weigh heavily on healthcare systems. As such, leveraging technology and ensuring equitable access to vaccines must remain high on the agenda for policymakers and providers.

In conclusion, the Pfizer MERA Maternal Immunization Summit has underscored the importance of maternal immunization as a significant preventative measure against RSV. By fostering discussions among professionals and addressing common challenges faced in the region, it paves the way for enhanced awareness, further research, and, ultimately, improved health outcomes for vulnerable newborn populations.