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In this issue:
Kenya introduces typhoid conjugate vaccine
On July 5th, Kenya introduced typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) into its routine immunization program, starting with a campaign to vaccinate 21 million children aged 9 months to 15 years. The campaign also aims to reach 7.5 million eligible children aged 9 months to 5 years with the measles-rubella vaccine, providing a valuable opportunity to reach children who missed this routine vaccination. Following the campaign, TCV will be available for children at 9 months of age.
Typhoid is endemic in Kenya, with more than half of typhoid deaths and cases in the country occurring among children younger than 15 years old. TCV offers strong protection against typhoid, including multi-drug-resistant strains, which are rising in Kenya. The campaign makes Kenya the fifth African country to introduce TCV, joining Burkina Faso, Liberia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe in taking a major step to protect children from typhoid.
Typhoid intestinal perforations in Niger
Fewer than two years ago, surgeons in Niger gathered to discuss complications of typhoid. This historic meeting convened local and international health professionals to share data on typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP) and advocate for better prevention and treatment of typhoid. TIP—a life-threatening, late complication of typhoid—disproportionately impacts children in low resource settings and continues to have devastating consequences worldwide. The recently published meeting report highlights the impacts of typhoid in Niger, where TIP is a leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery. TIP, an important indicator of disease burden, most frequently occurred in patients younger than 15 years of age, especially in rural regions with limited healthcare. Data shared at the meeting were used to support Niger’s Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance TCV application, and Niger plans to introduce TCV country-wide.
A typhoid champion in action
Nginache (Ngina) Nampota—a Malawian superstar—continues to educate and advocate for typhoid prevention and control. A doctor, researcher, vaccine and drug development scientist, epidemiologist, and PhD candidate, Ngina is a true typhoid champion. On July 23rd at noon EST, the Sabin Vaccine Institute’s Getting to Zero will feature Ngina’s interview with TyVAC’s director, Dr. Matthew Laurens to discuss the current global burden of typhoid; TCV; rising drug resistance; and more.
Ngina’s year to date: In February, she was the lead author on a paper examining the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a booster dose of TCV in Malawian preschool children, which showed a robust immune response to a TCV booster at five years. In April, Ngina presented on TCV rollout in low-resources settings, including her home country of Malawi, at ESCMID Global. In May, Ngina was the 2025 recipient of the Patricia Langenberg Endowment in Epidemiology & Women’s Health Award that will help support her current research on the impact of prenatal HIV exposure on long-term vaccine mediated immunity in Malawi. We are excited to see what looms ahead for Ngina and her ongoing efforts to take on typhoid!
Save the date – 2026 International Conference on Typhoid and Other Invasive Salmonelloses
Mark your calendars—the next International Conference is scheduled for March 24-26, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Held every two years, the conference unites researchers, policymakers, and advocates to strengthen and align the global response to typhoid and other invasive salmonelloses. Details on abstract submissions, accommodations, and the agenda will be shared in the coming months on the Take on Typhoid website.
Typhoid – a vaccine-preventable disease – on the Q&Abe podcast
Typhoid continues to haunt many low resource settings without adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). While largely eliminated in the US and Europe, it remains a major cause of illness in many Asian and sub-Saharan African countries. Willie Lincoln, son of the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln, is one of numerous historical figures theorized to have died from typhoid. TyVAC Director Dr. Matthew Laurens joined Lincoln’s Cottage to discuss the historical context of Willie’s death and disease prevention. The Q&Abe podcast, dives into tools, both old and new, that can help prevent typhoid, from improved WASH to TCVs.
