From 23 to 25 February 2026, more than 300 delegates from 37 countries gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for ISSAD 2026. Under the theme “From Evidence to Action: Accelerating GBS Prevention in a Changing World”, the conference brought together researchers, clinicians, public health experts, industry representatives and community advocates to share advances in Group B Streptococcus (GBS) research and prevention. Chaired by Dr Hellen Barsosio of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the meeting connected scientific progress with the practical challenges of protecting those affected by GBS.
Across three days, the programme moved from understanding the global GBS challenge to exploring solutions and their implementation. Sessions examined disease burden and surveillance, genomic insights, microbiology, immunology and advances in diagnostics. Discussions addressed gaps in measuring GBS-associated stillbirths, maternal sepsis and preterm birth, alongside the burden of disease in infants and non-pregnant adults.
Progress towards maternal GBS vaccines was a central focus. Presentations explored vaccine candidates and clinical development, while policy and implementation sessions considered the evidence, safety surveillance, financing and health system readiness needed to support future introduction. Equity and the perspectives of the Global South featured prominently, highlighting the importance of preparing for access alongside scientific development. The programme also examined current screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis strategies, and the connections between GBS prevention and the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 roadmap.
Parents’ voices remained central throughout the conference. Personal contributions, videos and storyboards brought the experiences of families affected by GBS into the scientific discussions. The final-day advocacy workshop explored how to strengthen parent involvement, keeping the human impact of GBS at the heart of prevention efforts.
Breakout sessions, poster presentations and Young ISSAD flash talks provided opportunities to exchange findings and engage across disciplines and career stages. Alongside the plenary programme, these formats gave emerging researchers a platform to share their work and connect with the wider GBS community.
Thank you to all speakers, chairs, presenters, delegates, parent advocates, organisers and supporters who contributed to ISSAD 2026. The meeting demonstrated the breadth of expertise and commitment within the global GBS community, and the shared ambition to translate evidence into more equitable prevention.
Visit our ISSAD 2026 conference page to explore the programme and photographs, and to register to request access to conference recordings.
