Fighting for First Breath: ISSAD 2026 Tackles GBS Disease in Africa

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By Wilson Amondo

The 2026 International Symposium on Streptococcus and GBS Disease (ISSAD) is set to kick off in East Africa, bringing together top experts to tackle the pressing issue of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease. This year's conference is particularly significant, as it coincides with a surge in GBS cases in sub-Saharan Africa.

As the opening panel takes the stage, discussions will center around the latest vaccine candidates in clinical trials, with a focus on maternal immunisation approaches that could protect both mothers and newborns. The plenary session on disease burden and surveillance will reveal updated global estimates, highlighting the daunting data gaps in Africa and South Asia.

But it's not just about numbers – the conference will delve into the human impact of GBS disease, with stories of stillbirths, prematurity, and maternal mortality. The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network will share recent data, shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of GBS-associated stillbirths.

With representation from over 40 countries, ISSAD 2026 is poised to accelerate the transition from evidence generation to policy implementation, particularly in high-burden, resource-limited settings. As the world watches, the fight against GBS disease is getting a much-needed boost – and maybe, just maybe, a breakthrough is on the horizon. 

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