As we approach the end of 2025, it's hard not to feel a sense of pride when considering the remarkable strides made in combating typhoid fever this year. Over the past twelve months, an astonishing number of more than 80 million children have received typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV) through various introduction campaigns. This brings the cumulative total of children vaccinated during these initiatives to over 130 million—a figure that underscores the relentless dedication of countless partners, government officials, and stakeholders committed to eradicating this disease.
In an era where drug-resistant strains of typhoid are becoming increasingly prevalent, the role of TCV is paramount. This vaccine not only halts the transmission of resistant bacteria but also plays a crucial part in preventing severe complications associated with typhoid, such as intestinal perforation, which can be life-threatening.
A Record-Breaking Year for TCV
In 2025, four countries—Burkina Faso, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Niger—successfully introduced TCV, making a significant impact by protecting an unprecedented number of children worldwide. The TCV is both safe and effective, offering protection against typhoid for over four years. This makes it one of the most effective tools at our disposal for disease prevention. With the rise of drug-resistant typhoid, the importance of TCV cannot be overstated; it acts as a barrier against the spread of these dangerous strains and mitigates severe health risks.
The enthusiasm surrounding TCV campaigns in these four nations has been nothing short of inspiring. Local governors and regional leaders have actively promoted the vaccine within their communities, while health workers and vaccinators have gone above and beyond to ensure that every child has access to this critical immunization. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents bringing their children to vaccination sites and teachers engaging in campaign support activities. The successful rollout of TCV this year is a testament to the hard work and commitment of hundreds of volunteers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and government officials.
Enhancing Typhoid Surveillance
Numerous other countries have shown a strong commitment to typhoid prevention and control in 2025. For instance, Pakistan, which introduced TCV in 2019, has established 22 surveillance sites dedicated to monitoring typhoid cases and identifying outbreaks. Since its introduction, over 30 million children have been vaccinated through TCV campaigns in Pakistan, with millions more receiving the vaccine via routine immunization programs. Research published this year indicates that the incidence of typhoid has dropped significantly—by 49 percent in Sindh province and by 66 percent in Punjab province—within the first two years following the rollout of TCV. Ongoing research will provide further insights into how effectively TCV is curbing the disease in Pakistan and beyond.
Another noteworthy effort comes from Fiji, which has prioritized enhanced surveillance this year through the International Vaccine Institute’s Typhoid in Fiji – Vaccination towards Elimination (Ty-FIVE) project. Following a large-scale TCV campaign in 2023, this initiative aims to bolster typhoid surveillance with improved reporting mechanisms, sampling strategies, and contact tracing efforts. These examples illustrate the significant global efforts underway to prevent typhoid outbreaks and deepen our understanding of the disease's patterns.
What Lies Ahead for Typhoid Prevention
The year 2025 has also ushered in exciting developments and research in the field of typhoid prevention, including promising Phase 3 trial results for a new TCV product. Future introductions of new TCV formulations could enhance access and stabilize supply, ensuring that this vital vaccine remains available to those in need.
To maintain the momentum gained in 2025, continuous support is essential for strengthening TCV programs, reaching children through routine immunization efforts, and exploring innovative strategies for typhoid prevention. Keeping TCV as a priority will be critical in the coming years.
While this year marks significant achievements in the fight against typhoid, we must not allow this progress to stagnate. The threats posed by drug resistance, extreme weather conditions, and geopolitical conflicts all contribute to an escalating risk of typhoid outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and sustained support for TCV initiatives. As we celebrate the milestones achieved this year, let us collectively commit to ensuring that no child remains vulnerable to the dangers of typhoid.
