Understanding RSV: An Open-access Learning Hub for Midwives

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of acute respiratory infections in young children worldwide. It can lead to severe illness, especially in newborns. 

Midwives are often the first point of contact for women during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Their role in sharing accurate information and supporting families is vital in helping to prevent RSV and recognise it early. Access to clear, evidence-based resources allows midwives to provide the best possible guidance in clinical and community settings. 

Despite its impact, knowledge of RSV remains limited in many places. The RSV Learning Hub was developed to address this gap by providing open-access resources for health professionals, including midwives. 

About the RSV Learning Hub 

The RSV Learning Hub is a free online platform created by the ReSViNET Foundation, an international network of healthcare professionals and researchers working to reduce the global burden of RSV. 

The hub brings together practical, evidence-based materials designed to support healthcare professionals in prevention, early identification, and communication about RSV. 

What the Hub Offers 

Resources available on the hub include: 

• Factsheets and infographics – Overviews of symptoms, transmission, prevention, and risk factors. 

• Frequently asked questions – Answers to common queries from women and families about RSV and vaccination. 

• Clinical cases – Scenarios showing how RSV may present in different contexts, with guidance on care and referral. 

• Webinars – Expert-led sessions on prevention during pregnancy, the role of maternal antibodies, and updates on vaccines and treatments. 

• Animations – Short videos explaining RSV in an accessible way. 

• Podcasts – Brief audio episodes on different aspects of RSV, designed for flexible learning. 

Resources are available in several languages, and the collection is expanding over time. 

How the Hub Supports Midwives 

The hub can support midwives by: 

• Offering tools to strengthen discussions with women and families. 

• Providing examples and case studies that inform clinical decisions. 

• Keeping professionals up to date with developments in RSV research and prevention. 

How to Access 

1. Visit: learninghub.resvinet.org 

1. Select your preferred language. 

1. Explore sections such as factsheets, case studies, and webinars. 

1. Download and share materials with colleagues. 

1. Sign up to the ReSViNET newsletter for updates. 

All materials are free to access, with no log-in required. 

The RSV Learning Hub provides midwives with practical, evidence-based information that supports both clinical practice and communication with families. By making use of these resources, midwives can strengthen their role in protecting newborns and young children from the impact of RSV.