Event
Leptospirosis in the One Health Framework: A Global Health Challenge
Photo: International Vaccine Institute (IVI)
Date: May 20, 2025
On 20 May 2025, the International Vaccine Institute will be hosting two in-person events on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly. The events will focus on two urgent and underrecognized global health threats: Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) (8.00-10.00) and leptospirosis (14.00-15.30).
About the event
Leptospirosis, a disease transmitted through contact with contaminated water or soil, causes serious public health and economic consequences, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This zoonotic disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as agricultural workers, people living in impoverished urban areas, and those living in flood-prone areas.
Despite its widespread prevalence, the burden of leptospirosis remains underestimated due to limited surveillance and misdiagnosis. Climate change and urbanization further increase transmission risks, and global recognition and resources for prevention and control remain insufficient.
The event is hosted by the International Vaccine Institute in partnership with the Governments of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Rwanda, as well as the International Leptospirosis Society and the Global Leptospirosis Environmental Action Network.
The in-person event will bring together health officials, policymakers, researchers, and global health stakeholders to discuss actionable steps to:
- Highlight the underestimated global burden of leptospirosis and its impact on vulnerable populations.
- Emphasize the need for leptospirosis to be included in the WHO Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) list.
- Promote international collaboration for improved surveillance, diagnostics, clinical management, and vaccine development.
Registration to the event is free.
About the International Vaccine Institute
The International Vaccine Institute is an independent international organization, headquartered in Seoul and established at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme. Its mission is to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health targeting infectious diseases that significantly impact low- and middle-income countries.
