PROTECT partners are supporting medical sites in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda to collect data on GBS disease. Before the start of the sample collection, Dr Sergio Massora from Fundação Manhiça visited partners in other countries to hold training sessions and inspect the sites.

Between 11 and 13 June 2025, members of the PROTECT network gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for their second annual meeting. With data collection underway in all four participating African countries, the meeting was marked by lively discussions on best practices, progress reports, and planning for upcoming data analysis and dissemination.

Recent research by PROTECT partners investigated existing literature on maternal vaccine and vaccine trial confidence and found no studies on pregnant women’s willingness to participate in vaccine trials in sub-Saharan Africa. Two of the authors – Lisa Paranthoen and Dr Violet Naanyu – explain how PROTECT aims to fill these research gaps. 

On International Women’s Day 2025, the PROTECT consortium emphasises the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure access to safe and effective maternal vaccines for all who need them.

PROTECT, a consortium aiming to improve maternal and child health in Africa, has been active for close to a year now, and partners have been busy with preparatory activities and meetings with key stakeholders.

On 10-12 June, the PROTECT consortium met in Entebbe, Uganda, to kick off their collaboration. During this time, partners got to know each other better, while the different work packages progressed some of the ongoing joint work and solidified plans for upcoming activities.