Group B Strep Support (GBSS) Awareness Month (July)

The annual campaign is led by Group B Strep Support, a UK charity which aims to eradicate group B Strep infections in babies.

Throughout the month they bring people together to raise awareness and highlight the importance of education and research in this field.

Why is Group B Strep Awareness Month important?

GBS is a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborn babies.

There were estimated to be nearly 400,000 cases of GBS disease in babies worldwide in 2020.

Around 1 in 4 were estimated to have died and around 1 in 8 survivors were estimated to have been left with a significant impairment like seizures, problems with movement or learning difficulties.

Many expectant parents may not know about the bacteria or the potential impact it could have on their baby.

Group B Strep Awareness Month aims to save lives by reaching as many new parents as possible, making them aware so they can speak to their healthcare professional about protecting their baby.