Rotavirus gastroenteritis is the second most common disease of infants and young children. Each year, rotavirus causes approximately 111 million episodes of gastroenteritis requiring only home care, 25 million clinic visits, 2 million hospitalizations, and 352 000 – 592 000 deaths (median, 440 000 deaths) in children < 5 years of age, worldwide (1). By age five years, nearly every child will have an episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis, 1 in 5 will visit a clinic, 1 in 65 will be hospitalized, and approximately 1 in 293 will die (1). Children in the poorest countries account for 82% of rotavirus deaths. The most prevalent rotavirus serotypes which are responsible for over 80% of worldwide gastroenteritis infections are G1[P8], G2[P4], G3[P8] and G4[P8] (2). A previously licensed rotavirus vaccine in the United States of America was withdrawn from the market when it was associated with increased risk of infant intussusception (3).

End-of-life decisions in newborns are among the most difficult decisions in paediatric practice. Especially when they concern newborns with untreatable diseases. An open discussion about the dilemmas regarding such decisions may help to develop a coherent and integrated approach.

The delivery of optimal paediatric critical care requires healthcare providers to think outside the confines of the intensive care unit. Public health strategies, training and recertification in basic and advanced paediatric life support and optimized transport of patients are key issues for consideration.

Disasters are usually accompanied by physical devastation, loss, economic impact and emotional turmoil. The emotional impact however is often not recognized. Within the Caribbean, much more is needed at integrating psychological services within general disaster preparedness and management.

The stigma and fear of acquiring the gross deformities that accompany Leprosy remain an obstacle to control of the disease.