Dear CHIFA colleagues,
Thank you all for your contributions to our global discussion on Group B Strep.
To date we have received 29 messages* on this topic from:
Azanaw Amare, Ethiopia
Claire Oluwalana, Gambia
Dura Shlei, United States
Edamisan Ikuemonisan, Nigeria
Hajime Takiuche, Japan (3)
Julie Nyanchama Nyamao, Kenya
Kelli Smith, United States (4)
Marti Perhach, United States (7)
Mucheye Gizachew Beza, Ethiopia (2)
Nehemiah Ndubi Okerio, Kenya
Neil (6)
*This includes 7 messages sent before the official start of the discussion.
Here again are the six guiding questions for our discussion:
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 (below), 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? In particular the WHO guideline (2024) recommends universal screening of mothers at 35-37 weeks, but this is currently only available 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 aim to address ALL the above topics over the coming 5 days. Please share your thoughts on any of the above (or indeed other issues relating to GBS) by email to: chifa@hifaforums.org
I shall now prepare a short summary of the discussion so far.
Many thanks, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org