BactiVac attends Washington World Vaccine Congress 2025 with industry experts
BactiVac showcases expertise at the World Vaccine Congress 2025, championing global equity and innovation in bacterial vaccine development.
BactiVac attended the World Vaccine Congress, Washington, DC, USA, on 21-24 April 2025. BactiVac External Engagement Coordinator, Jamie Pillaye, and Network Board Members Seanette Wilson (Biovac, South Africa) and Francesca Micoli (GSK, Italy) joined over 2000 other delegates for the four-day event. The Congress featured thought-provoking talks and engaging panel discussions, with industry leaders sharing their perspectives on the latest advancements, ongoing challenges, and innovative solutions in vaccine development.
The first day was dedicated to Pre-Congress workshops, filled with a diverse range of sessions running in parallel, covering a variety of vaccine targets. Francesca Micoli was actively involved in organising the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Workshop; she presented on ‘Vaccines against Salmonella and Shigella enteric pathogens’ and facilitated the panel discussion on ‘Commonalities and challenges for advancing the development of vaccines against priority AMR pathogens’. Seanette Wilson provided opening remarks for the AMR workshop and also chaired the morning session.
The main Congress followed, bringing together speakers with expertise aligned with this year’s World Immunisation Week theme of promoting access and equity in immunisation. Dr. Greg Poland’s (Director of Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, US) opening speech addressed the power of vaccines and our moral responsibility to challenge misinformation with compassion. Over 550 speakers and 300 exhibitors covered the whole vaccine value chain, from basic research to commercial manufacture. One highlight of the programme was a thought-provoking panel discussion on strengthening market and regulatory access for vaccines in Africa, moderated by Seanette Wilson.
The Congress served as an important reminder of the need to advocate for equitable access to vaccines across the globe. BactiVac was grateful to have Seanette and Francesca present and engaging with potential new BactiVac members, which served as a valuable opportunity to expand our Network and strengthen our mission to accelerate the development of bacterial vaccines.