Africa: New TB Vaccines Could Save Millions, but Africa Must Prepare Now
[allAfrica] More than a century after the BCG vaccine was licensed, new tuberculosis vaccines could arrive in 2029. Gavi says the groundwork has to start now.
For over a century, the BCG vaccine has been the only licensed defense against tuberculosis, but new vaccines could offer a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, predicts that next-generation TB vaccines could save 7.3 million lives between 2030 and 2050. However, the success of these vaccines depends on more than just scientific progress.
Gavi is urging governments and global health partners to prepare now for the potential arrival of these vaccines, scheduled for 2029. TB remains a leading infectious killer, causing over 1.2 million deaths annually, primarily in Africa where cases and deaths are most prevalent. Despite progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, significant gaps remain, with many people diagnosed too late or not at all, and others unable to access treatment.
Emily Kobayashi, Director of Vaccine Programmes at Gavi, emphasizes that closing these gaps will require stronger delivery of existing interventions and new tools. The new vaccines, if successful, could dramatically reduce transmission, save millions of lives, and accelerate progress towards ending tuberculosis, the world's deadliest infectious disease.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
