Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An agreement was reached on the delivery of a new Rotavac vaccine against rotavirus infection developed by Bharat Biotech in accordance with the cooperation agreement signed between the Ministry of Innovation Development and the Indian company Bharat Biotech at the Dynamic Investment Gujarat- International Investment Summit 2019.

As a result of negotiations between the Ministry of Innovation Development and Bharat Biotech, an agreement was reached on the supply of 1 dose of this vaccine to Uzbekistan at a price of US$0.85. Previously, 30% of the cost of new vaccines was funded by the Global Alliance of Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), a UNICEF vaccination partner, 1 dose of rotavirus vaccine was purchased at a price of US$2.29.

In addition, the ministry provides practical assistance to Bharat Biotech in state registration of Rotavac vaccine in Uzbekistan. This vaccine is used against rotavirus infection, has been re-qualified by the World Health Organization and approved for use in all countries of the world. As a result of collaboration with a number of international companies and foundations, Bharat Biotech was able to offer this vaccine to the Indian market in 2014. According to the information provided by the company, US$200 million were invested to create it.

Rotavirus is a virus that causes gastrointestinal diseases, mainly in infants and young children, leading to dehydration. In children, the disease is accompanied by vomiting and fever. Since there are no medications to treat this disease, WHO recommends using rotavirus vaccination practice.