ISSAD 2026 Conference

ISSAD 2026 marks a major milestone: the first time the International Symposium on Streptococcus agalactiae Disease will be hosted in East Africa. From 23–25 February 2026, global leaders in Group B Streptococcus (GBS) research, vaccine development, and public health will convene in Nairobi, East Africa’s dynamic innovation hub.

This landmark edition is chaired by Dr. Hellen Barsosio, Clinical Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Principal Investigator of the MIRNA study, and co-lead of the Maternal Immunisation Readiness Network in Africa & Asia. A recognized leader in maternal immunisation policy and implementation, Dr. Barsosio brings deep regional insight and scientific expertise to the helm of ISSAD 2026.

Held at the heart of one of Africa’s fastest-growing healthcare markets, ISSAD 2026 offers a historic opportunity to support African-led research, expand access to high-burden populations, and engage with cutting-edge health systems innovation. With world-class infrastructure, direct global connectivity, and strong institutional backing from KEMRI and the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Nairobi provides a strategic gateway for scientific collaboration and global impact.

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Join us in shaping the future of GBS prevention and maternal-newborn health!

From Evidence to Action - Accelerating GBS Prevention in a Changing World

Monday 23 February 2026 - Wednesday 25 February 2026

Nairobi, Kenya (Time Zone EDT/UTC -4)

DAY 1 - Understanding the Global GBS Challenge

Monday 23 February 2026

8.00 am Registration

9:00 am Opening Ceremony & Setting the Stage

10.00 am Plenary - Disease Burden & Surveillance

11.00 am Coffee Break & Networking

11.30 am Plenary - Meeting Surveillance Challenges for Harder to Measure Endpoints

13.00 pm Lunch Break I Parent Story Boards

Poster Session - Genomics & Molecular Epidemiology / Surveillance & Burden / Microbiology & Basic Science

14.00 pm Breakout Sessions

A. Genomics & Molecular Epidemiology

B. Surveillance & Burden

C. Microbiology & Basic Science

15.30 pm Coffee Break

16.00 pm Plenary - WHO Session: GBS Surveillance Standards & Defeat Meningitis

17.00 pm Carol Baker Symposium - Panel Discussion “At the Crossroads: What’s needed now for GBS prevention?”

18.30 pm Welcome Reception

DAY 2 - Solutions & Innovation

Tuesday 24 February 2026

8:30 am Plenary - Vaccine Development & Evaluation

10.00 am Coffee Break & Networking

10.30 am Panel Discussion - Vaccine Readiness

11:30 am Plenary - From Evidence to Action

12.30 pm Lunch Break I Parent Story Boards

Poster session - Immunology / Diagnostic Advances & Human Challenge Studies / Implementation Science & Health Systems

14.00 pm Breakout Sessions

A. Immunology

B. Diagnostic Advances & Human Challenge Studies

C. Implementation Science & Health Systems

15.30 pm Spotlight Talks (YOUNG ISSAD)

17.00 pm Side Meetings

19.00 pm Gala Dinner & Young Investigator Awards

DAY 3 - Implementation & Impact

Wednesday 25 February 2026

8:30 am Plenary - Prevention Strategies - IAP alongside Vaccines Debate

10.00 am Coffee Break & Networking

10.30 am Parents Workshop

11.30 pm Synthesis & Way Forward

12.00 pm Closing Ceremony

13.00 pm Conference Conclusion