
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