World Vaccine Congress Europe 2025
The World Vaccine Congress Europe 2025, taking place from October 13–16 in Amsterdam, is considered Europe’s premier event dedicated to the full spectrum of vaccine development. With over 2,500 attendees, 280 expert speakers, and 150+ exhibitors, the congress provides a rich platform to engage with thought leaders and stay ahead of emerging trends.
The congress features multiple tracks that explore cutting-edge topics such as cancer vaccines, personalized immunotherapies, innovative delivery mechanisms, and digital health integration. These sessions are designed to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and provide actionable insights for professionals working in science communications, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and public health.
In addition to the scientific program, the event offers poster sessions, panel debates and start-up showcases. Clario eCOA Science advisor Saima Khakwani will present a poster on “Adoption of Digital Health Technologies for Vaccine Trials in Sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers, Enablers and Equity Considerations.”
Session Information:
Abstract:
Background: Vaccine trials in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face unique challenges due to low digital and traditional literacy, limited access to devices and internet, and sociocultural factors. Despite a high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, few vaccine trials are conducted in the region.
Methodology: The study reviewed scientific literature and reports, analyzing infrastructural indicators (smartphone ownership, internet access, data costs) and sociocultural factors (language diversity, literacy rates).
Results:
- Smartphone and mobile internet adoption remain low, and mobile data is relatively expensive.
- Many local languages lack written forms, and literacy rates are often low or unreported.
- Participant understanding of study procedures is frequently limited.
Conclusion:
Infrastructure and literacy barriers limit digital health adoption in SSA vaccine trials. Providing devices, offline tools, adapted consent, and training are key to improving feasibility and equity. Localized, culturally sensitive strategies are essential.
Speaker
Saima Khakwani, MS, MPH
Scientific Advisor, eCOA Clinical Science and Consulting at Clario
Saima Khakwani is a Scientific Advisor at Clario and subject matter expert for vaccine studies. Her focus in the team includes diary design best practice such as impact of use of paper and free text in eCOA, patient safety and minimizing risks for commonly implemented PROs and ClinROs and building databases. In her current role, Saima analyzes how our approach to implementing PROs and ClinROs can be tailored to decrease patient burden and increase patient engagement across various therapeutic areas and indications and build knowledge databases. She continues to work on research for improving quality of clinical trial delivery and has authored and co-authored numerous works and publications as a result.