#WhyArmenia: Albert Kapikian

Moms around the world now can keep their little ones safe from Rotavirus, thanks to the vaccine developed by Albert Kapikian.

Dr. Kapikian was an Armenian-American scientist, a giant in the field of virology who developed the first licensed vaccine against rotavirus. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoeal disease among infants and children under 5.

Kapikian dedicated almost 25 years of his life to the study of the virus and the development of an effective and safe vaccine, which was the first to be licensed for administration in the U.S. in 1998.  Further he developed licensed rotavirus vaccines for China, Brazil and India. Kapikian's passion and commitment to helping others has and undoubtedly will save the lives of children all around the world.