European Vaccine Initiative at the IMPRINT Network Conference 2025

September 2025

The European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) was represented at the IMPRINT Network Conference 2025, held in Johannesburg, South Africa (11–13 September), where 100 in-person researchers and an additional 30+ virtual participants from across the globe gathered to address pressing challenges in maternal and child health.

The conference was structured around four key themes: Biological Sciences,  Implementation Challenges,  Policy & Advocacy,  Public Engagement & Outreach.

During the Policy & Advocacy session, Mandeep Kaur, Social Science Project Manager at EVI, presented initial findings from our study on the Acceptability of Placental Malaria Vaccines in Malawi. The presentation also highlighted EVI’s role in advancing vaccine research and promoting equitable access through evidence-based policy and advocacy.

We were also pleased that sociolinguist and co-PI for this study Dr. Marion Chirwa Kajombo (MUST, Malawi University of Science and Technology) joined us at the conference. Her participation reinforced our collaborative partnership and shared mission to address maternal and neonatal health challenges in Malawi and beyond.

EVI extends its appreciation to the IMPRINT Network for providing an important platform that connects researchers, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to strengthening global health.

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The study on the Acceptability of Placental Malaria Vaccines in Malawi was funded Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS), Netherlands.

Acknowledgement: Dr Marion Chirwa Kajombo, Mr Chimwemwe Tewesa, MUST students, study participants.