MU-JHU showcased its expanding Group B Streptococcus (GBS) research portfolio at ISSAD 2026, contributing strong evidence and thought leadership to global discussions on maternal and newborn health.
Held under the theme “From Evidence to Action – Accelerating GBS Prevention in a Changing World,” the conference took place from 23rd–25th February 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together global experts to advance GBS prevention strategies. MU-JHU’s expertise was also featured in plenary discussions on Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis (IAP) for GBS prevention, with Dr. Eve Nakabembe serving as a session chair alongside Prof. Kirsty Le Doare.
A key highlight of the conference was the recognition of Khamisi Musanje, who received the Young Investigator Award and delivered an oral presentation exploring men’s understanding of maternal vaccination in Uganda.
Across the conference, the MU-JHU team actively contributed to scientific exchange through the following presentations:
- Risk factors for vertical transmission of GBS among colonised mothers in Kampala, Uganda — Valeria Tusubira
- “It prevents having a son without legs”: Men’s understanding of maternal vaccination — a qualitative study in Uganda — Khamisi Musanje
- Incidence of GBS and other neonatal bloodstream infections, and associated antimicrobial resistance detected from cord blood at birth in Kampala, Uganda — Agnes Nyamaizi
- Disseminating study findings: what matters to stakeholders? Insights from a GBS clinical trial in Uganda — Agnes Ssali
- Overcoming skepticism: filmed personal narratives and community engagement to increase GBS knowledge and trial participation in Kampala, Uganda — Phiona Nalubega
- Peer influence in maternal vaccination decision-making: insights from GBS vaccine trials in Kampala, Uganda — Zam Nabalwanyi
- A roadmap to establish a harmonised Pregnancy Exposure Registry across Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda — Gordon Rukundo
- Uganda’s readiness for maternal GBS vaccine introduction: a national-level assessment — Dr. Zakaria Mukasa
- Pregnant women’s preferences for receiving maternal vaccination-related information: a qualitative study in Uganda — Judith Nankabirwa
These contributions reflect MU-JHU’s commitment to generating locally relevant evidence and advancing solutions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
We thank our team for representing MU-JHU with excellence and for driving impactful research on regional and global stages.
