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Advocating for RSV Prevention 

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Respiratory syncytial virus presents a significant burden on infants, families and health systems across the globe.

Prevention is key, but policy doesn’t always support it. That’s why the Global Alliance for Patient Access hosted an advocacy training in Rome during the ReSViNET Respiratory Syncytial Virus Foundation 2026 Conference.

Promoting RSV Prevention 

Attendees of the day-long workshop were respiratory disease experts from across the world. 

The event equipped attendees with effective communication and advocacy tools to ensure lawmakers prioritise policies that promote prevention. These policies include implementing immunisation tools and ensuring high vaccination rates. 

Programming included multiple interactive discussions and workshops aimed to:  

  • Demonstrate the importance and impact of policy advocacy 
  • Understand what information resonates with policymakers and media 
  • Practice techniques to effectively communicate with policymakers and media 
  • Identify challenges to address and opportunities to engage as policy advocates to improve access to RSV prevention. 

 

The Burden of RSV 

RSV affects nearly all children before age two, and in the US, it was the leading cause of hospitalisation in children under age one. The virus can also impose an emotional and financial toll on families.  

Despite the disease’s prevalence and new tools for prevention, many families and policymakers remain unaware of the danger. That’s why communicating the science of prevention to policymakers and media is critical.  

 

Looking Ahead 

This training followed a similar program hosted in Lisbon last fall. A third workshop focused on pneumococcal disease is planned for this May in Copenhagen.  

By engaging policymakers and encouraging coverage for prevention tools, health experts can help communities around the world stay healthy and protect infants and families from the burden of RSV.  

Learn more about RSV in GAfPA’s resources.