Welcome to the WSPID 2022 Virtual Congress Calendar

Symposium organized by the African Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (AfSPID)

Over 20 Years of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Use: Clinical and Public Health Benefits to Infants and Children - Symposium Supported by PfizerSession Description: Listen in as experts review the current state of pneumococcal disease:•Impact of PCVs over 20 years of use•Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal disease in Latin America•Importance of serotype 19A

The introduction and use of acellular pertussis combination vaccines – real-world experiences - Symposium Supported by SanofiSession Description: Young infants are especially vulnerable to infections, with potentially serious morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Respiratory infections caused by Bordetella pertussis remain prevalent worldwide, with an estimated over 24 million pertussis cases per year. Vaccines to protect against pertussis have been available for several decades. Continued developments have been seen over time with the introduction of combined formulations and a switch from whole-cell to acellular vaccines. Today, combined acellular vaccines are commonly used in clinical practice, showing fewer adverse events than their whole-cell counterparts and combined formulations offering logistical benefits. Despite availability of these vaccines to provide the opportunity to protect vulnerable populations, vaccine coverage rates remain suboptimal and actually dropped in recent years in several countries. This problem has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The expert panel will describe country-specific learnings and experiences associated with the introduction and use of acellular pertussis combination vaccines and will present the implications on real-world clinical practice. There will be a discussion of important learnings relevant to all attendees, with the goal of achieving equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

Pediatric RTIs during the COVID-19 pandemic: is a different approach needed? - Symposium Supported by OM PharmaSession Description:The aim of this live symposium is to provide an overview on the role of microbial-derived interventions in the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and complications in children, particularly in current and evolving epidemiological context. Indeed, the different pandemic waves have led to pediatrics RTIs rebound, and the emergence of new unmet needs, such as reinforcing the immune system in children to protect them against chronic airways disease later in life. The experts will explain the role of the gut and airways microbiota against RTIs and the inception of lung inflammatory diseases, highlighting the impact of external and intrinsic factors which may influence the eubiosis and immune response development during early life. In addition, they will review the concept of innate trained immunity, resulting in a primed and reinforced immune system and in lower rates of RTIs. Finally, the potential benefit of exposure to bacterial components will be discussed. This prophylactic approach may prove to be a helpful strategy when managing rRTIs in children. This session also will include a live Q&A where the experts will answer and discuss questions coming from the audience.

Learning objectives: ● To appreciate the rapidity and scrutiny of modern microbiological diagnostic tools on a molecular level including rapid determination of causative species and antibiotic resistance patterns ● To understand how Micro Research is fostering local ability to find sustainable solutions for community health problems helps building local capacity for community-directed interdisciplinary health research in low- and middle-income countries ● To understand the concepts behind preparedness for epidemics