New TB vaccines could save 7.3m lives by 2050 – Gavi

A new class of tuberculosis vaccines could avert up to 7.3 million deaths between 2030 and 2050, according to the global vaccine alliance Gavi. However, the potential impact of these new drugs hinges on ensuring a stable and affordable supply of the vaccines to the countries most affected by the disease. Sania Nishtar, the head of Gavi, emphasized the importance of this supply chain, stating that it will only allow the vaccines to reach their full potential if it can be secured for the countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains the world's leading infectious killer, responsible for an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2024, according to the World Health Organization. The current vaccine against tuberculosis, Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), was developed over a century ago and its effectiveness wanes over time, particularly in adolescents and adults.

Gavi hopes that new vaccines currently in development could fill this gap, potentially averting up to 7.3 million deaths and unlocking $135 billion in economic benefits for low- and middle-income countries by mid-century. However, Gavi also identified several risks that could slow the rollout once the vaccines are approved, including insufficient funding and demand uncertainty, which could impact the capacity of manufacturers to produce the vaccines in sufficient quantities.

Gavi is working to ensure sufficient supply of the vaccines as soon as they are approved and to promote their widespread use through routine immunization.