The MARVELS team on 1st August, 2025 of the Malawi–Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) delivered a campus-wide sensitization on the upcoming PnuBioVax (PBV) Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) trial at MUBAS, Blantyre. Over 120 interdisciplinary students gathered in the MUBAS auditorium, where the MARVELS clinical research and communications team explained the study’s aims and encouraged volunteer registration. The session was officially hosted in partnership with MUBAS student affairs, who ensured lively turnout and proactive engagement.
The presentation clarified that this world‑first CHIM trial led by MARVELS will evaluate a protein‑based pneumococcal vaccine (PBV) to determine if it better prevents nasal carriage than the current PCV‑13 conjugate vaccine. The study is in its recruitment phase and aims to enroll up to 416 healthy adults aged 18–50 years, including volunteers from university campuses like MUBAS, considered ideal for early‑phase research. Attendees were guided through the volunteer eligibility criteria, the process of informed consent and safety monitoring protocols.
The MARVELS team extend heartfelt thanks to MUBAS leadership, faculty, and the student body for the event and help to drive awareness. Volunteer registration remains open and interested students and community members are encouraged to voluntarily enroll in the study. The research team looks forward to working with local communities to recruit volunteers, conduct the trial safely, and ultimately bring vaccine solutions that are both scientifically sound and tailored to the needs of Malawi.