HIFA and CHIFA are delighted to announce our first Spotlight! We start with the topic of Group B Streptococcus, coinciding with Group B Strep Awareness Week (8–14 July 2026). The main discussion will take place on our global child health forum CHIFA. We shall also have discussion on our general forum HIFA-English. Join CHIFA (free!)
Group B Strep
Group B Strep (GBS) is a leading cause of serious infection in babies, causing 150,000 stillbirths and infant deaths each year. Many survivors have long-term disability.
'According to the WHO 2024 guideline, pregnant women should be offered universal antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus around 35–37 weeks’ gestation. WHO also recommends a risk-based alternative in settings where universal screening is not feasible. Those who test positive should receive intravenous antibiotics, such as penicillin or ampicillin, at least four hours before delivery to prevent passing GBS to their baby. This approach reduces the risk of newborn early-onset disease risk by about 80%.' WHO Fact Sheet
Empowering parents, health workers and policymakers to save lives and reduce suffering
All parents and all health workers need access to reliable healthcare information on how to prevent GBS disease and how to diagnose and treat the infection. All policymakers and public health professionals need accurate information to inform national screening policy.
Our discussion will look at:
1. What is your personal and professional experience of GBS disease? We would especially like to hear from you if, like Marti, Kelli and Kevin, your life has been impacted by GBS disease. Also we would like to hear your professional experience as a health worker, for example if you have been involved in the care of a mother and baby affected by GBS disease.
2. What is the situation in your country? Worldwide, GBS disease causes around 150,000 stillbirths and early infant deaths. The incidence is higher in North America, Europe, and Africa than in other regions. Some cases may not be recognised, especially in LMICs.
3. What can be done to reduce the burden of GBS disease? (with reference to the WHO guideline 2024)? In particular the guideline recommends universal screening of mothers at 35-37 weeks, but this is currently only a vailable in a few countries (eg US, Canada). What can be done to support countries to implement universal screening?
4. What do parents need to know about GBS disease? In your country? What do they know and how can this be improved?
5. What do health workers need to know about GBS disease? In your country? What do they know and how can this be improved?
6. What are the common myths about GBS disease? How can these be addressed?
We are grateful to Kelli and Kevin Smith who have kindly sponsored this Spotlight in honour of their daughter Finley Genevieve, facilitated by HIFA partner Group B Strep International.
Contact: Neil Pakenham-Walsh neil@hifa.org
See here for more information on Spotlights and how to propose your priority topic.
The main discussion will take place on our global child health forum CHIFA as well as our general forum HIFA.
All welcome!
Join CHIFA (free) Join HIFA (free)
We recommend the following to learn more about GBS disease:
1, WHO Fact Sheet
2. WHO Guideline
3. Group B Strep International resources