Dr. Kathleen Neuzil has been a stalwart leader of the TyVAC project since it began in 2017. She will shortly transition into a new role as the director of the Fogarty International Center (FIC) and National Institutes of Health associate director for international research. Dr. Neuzil’s impact on typhoid research and the advancement of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV) is far reaching. As we bid her farewell and good luck, we reflect on her leadership to take on typhoid.
Please note some quotes have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
A tireless advocate and mentor
Dr. Neuzil, a passionate advocate, has worked tirelessly to ensure typhoid remains a global health priority and that stakeholders and decision-makers have the data and tools to make informed decisions about TCV introduction. “One of the best decisions I made during my tenure as the director of the Enteric and Diarrheal Diseases team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was to select Kathy as the leader for TyVAC,” said Anita Zaidi, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “This has been such a super impactful investment due to her leadership.”
She is a visionary leader who epitomizes excellence in research, advocacy, and mentorship. “She has made a profound impact—and left a lasting legacy—in the field of typhoid prevention and control. Her contributions have not only influenced policy decisions and vaccine introduction strategies but have inspired and guided early career researchers, like myself,” said Priyanka Patel, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust.
Dedication to TyVAC
Dr. Neuzil’s leadership has been central to the TyVAC project’s contributions to the typhoid field, from groundbreaking efficacy studies to shaping policy and ultimately, TCV introduction. She has fostered collaboration and connected key stakeholders, always with the goal of getting TCVs to children, no matter where they live. She has an unwavering commitment to global health and keen ability to integrate science and policy to facilitate successful— and sustainable—vaccine introduction. “[Dr Neuzil is] a world changer…[she] did not hesitate to travel to the poorest villages of [Niger] to [help collect data] to support TCV introduction. May you continue to change the world,” said Yakoubou Sanoussi, Hôpital de la SIM Galmi, Niger.
Her expertise in vaccine-preventable diseases, including typhoid, has earned her international acclaim and prestigious appointments, including membership in the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and the National Academy of Medicine. “I have been privileged to work closely with [Dr. Neuzil] and am forever grateful for the mentorship, not only on technical aspects but also navigating high level partnerships,” said Emmanuel Mugisha, PATH.
As Dr. Neuzil embarks on her new role we extend our deepest gratitude for her transformative leadership and dedication. “With [Dr. Neuzil’s] leadership skills and advocacy prowess, FIC is in very good hands,” said John Crump, University of Otago. Her legacy will continue to resonate, shaping the future of global health—and typhoid prevention—for years to come.
Reflections on Dr. Neuzil’s impact
With dozens of global partners, working in many countries around the world, Dr. Neuzil has overseen a multitude of TyVAC project work. Her relationships with colleagues extends far and wide. Additional well wishes and farewells from TyVAC collaborators are included in the photo carousel below.
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Cover Photo: Dr. Neuzil at the 13th International Conference on Typhoid & Other Invasive Salmonelloses. Credit: CVD
