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In parallel with the study into a new rotavirus vaccine, over 1,000 pregnant women are being monitored as part of a substudy that aims to evaluate the impact of the nutritional condition of pregnant women on the health of their babies. These mothers receive nutritional supplements. 
During their pregnancy, they attend four scheduled appointments with the medical team for monitoring purposes and so that vaginal swabs, blood specimens (malaria/thick smear/syphilis/HIV AIDS), and urine and stool specimens can be taken.
These mothers also give permission for their newborn to be included in the study and monitored for two years by the Epicentre medical teams. At each of the scheduled appointments the mothers receive a transport allowance, plus three bars of soap and a food parcel containing bread, a drink and a tin of sardines.

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This slideshow explains the challenges posed by rotavirus and the existing constraints of the existing vaccines. It shows the story of the Epicentre study in Maradi district, Niger. The vaccine is now proven safe and effective. Last step: prequalification by the World Health Organization (WHO).