South Africa: SA Is One Step Closer to a New TB Vaccine, but There Is a Lot of Work Ahead
[spotlight] In March 2024, a pivotal clinical trial was launched to evaluate what might well become the first new tuberculosis vaccine on the market in more than a century. As anticipation mounts for the trial to deliver results, Russell Rensburg argues that we need to start preparing for a rollout of the jab, but that we should think of preparation more widely than just the technicalities of…
In March 2024, a clinical trial for a potential new tuberculosis vaccine began in South Africa. The vaccine candidate, known as M72/AS01E or M72, is being evaluated in a phase three trial that is ahead of schedule. Results could be available within the next year. If the trial proves successful, the vaccine would need to undergo registration with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In preparation for this potential approval, the Serum Institute of India has entered into an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute to plan for large-scale production. South Africa's National Department of Health is also engaging in discussions about a rollout plan for the vaccine. The country's high TB death rate, with over 54,000 reported deaths out of 1.2 million total, underscores the urgency of finding an effective vaccine.
However, successful rollout will require more than just regulatory approval and supply chain logistics. Community trust and participation are essential. The rollout of a new TB diagnostic test, which provides rapid results at clinics, presents an opportunity to build this trust. Engaging communities through community health workers, TB survivors, civil society organizations, and local leaders can help ensure that the introduction of a new TB intervention is well-received and effectively utilized.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
