An Assessment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Turkey from a Public Health Perspective - June 2026

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major public health issue that can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants during the first months of life, and places a significant burden on the healthcare system each year due to a large number of hospitalizations.

"An Assessment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Turkey from a Public Health Perspective"—this comprehensive policy report; addresses RSV not only from a clinical perspective but also through a comprehensive public health lens, covering disease burden, seasonality, impacts on the health system, preventable infant deaths, preventive health services, immunization strategies, surveillance systems, health economics, and implementation approaches in Turkey. 

The report was prepared by the Istanbul University Center for Community Medicine Practice and Research, Association for the Promotion of Healthy Living and Health Policies. Edited by Prof. Dr. Ayşe Emel Önal, the study was faculty members and researchers from the Department of Public Health at Istanbul University’s Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, and serves as a comprehensive review synthesizing current national and international scientific evidence. 

Aiming to serve as a reliable reference source for decision-makers, healthcare professionals, academics, and all relevant stakeholders; the report aims to serve as a reliable reference source. While assessing the current status of RSV in Turkey, it seeks to contribute to the development of preventive health policies and evidence-based decision-making processes.