ISSAD 2026 was held in Nairobi, Kenya. From 23 to 25 February 2026, global leaders in Group B Streptococcus research, vaccine development, and public health as well as community members convened in East Africa’s dynamic innovation hub. The conference was 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 Immunization Readiness Network in Africa & Asia.

Under the theme FromEvidence to Action – Accelerating GBS Prevention in a Changing World, ISSAD 2026 brought together 300 delegates from 37 countries to share cutting-edge research, discuss recent advances, shape prevention strategies, and chart paths forward to drive global impact in GBS prevention and maternal-newborn health.

The program covered the full spectrum of GBS research, from disease burden and surveillance to advances in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Plenary sessions highlighted progress in maternal immunization, vaccine policy, and implementation strategies, alongside discussions on financing, equity, and global access. Dedicated sessions explored the translation of evidence into action, including safety surveillance systems, health system readiness, and the role of the Global South in shaping vaccine introduction pathways.

Interactive breakout sessions, poster presentations, and Young ISSAD flash talks fostered collaboration across disciplines and supported emerging researchers in the field. The conference also placed strong emphasis on advocacy and lived experience, with parent voices and community perspectives integrated throughout the program.

Together, these discussions reinforced the urgency of accelerating equitable GBS prevention and strengthened the global network committed to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.