Typhoid fever — a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water — remains a significant public health concern in low-resource countries such as Malawi. Fortunately, a single dose typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is safe and protects against typhoid fever for at least 4 years, as reported in a landmark trial conducted by UMSOM’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) and partners in Malawi.

In May, Malawi launched a nationwide rollout of TCV which reached more than 7 million children. The campaign also provided polio vaccine, measles-rubella vaccine, and vitamin A supplementation to age-eligible children. This monumental vaccination campaign is a huge investment in Malawi’s future where now millions of children are protected from a vaccine-preventable disease.

The Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium (TyVAC), led by UMSOM’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, works to address the burden of disease by accelerating the introduction of TCVs in high-risk countries.