African Readiness For New TB Vaccines

At the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) facility in Worcester, a baby is part of a TB vaccine trial, symbolizing African scientific excellence. Developers and manufacturers are preparing for new TB vaccines, and African governments must now follow suit.

Progress in the TB Vaccine Pipeline

Researchers at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute and SATVI are advancing the TB vaccine pipeline at a remarkable pace. New screening tools, such as the novel diagnostic tests developed by the University of Cape Town, mobile technologies like e-Diagnosis, and innovative diagnosis methods are bringing TB services closer to communities across Africa. These advancements are not only making TB detection more accessible but also more efficient, reducing the time from diagnosis to treatment.

Most notably, candidates that could protect adolescents and adults, who are most at risk of TB, are in the pipeline. These include the M72 vaccine, being developed by Aeras and GlaxoSmithKline, which is currently in phase 3 clinical trials. If successful, this could become the first new TB vaccine in over a century, offering hope to millions of Africans living with TB.

In May, visiting Members of Parliament (MPs) were encouraged by the scientific progress at SATVI. SATVI Associate Professor Angelique Kany Kany Luabeya, an investigator on the M72 study, expressed optimism about the trial’s results. She highlighted that for the first time in over a century, there is real reason for optimism in the fight against TB. However, she also stressed the importance of political leadership matching this scientific leadership to ensure these advancements translate into reality.

Preparing for New TB Vaccines

African governments must begin preparing for new TB vaccines well before final trial results are in. Every country should initiate the development of a national TB vaccine readiness plan. This plan should assess the current state of health workers, data systems, supply chains, and delivery infrastructure, identifying areas that need strengthening.

This work must involve a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together national TB programs, immunisation teams, HIV programs, primary health care services, and other relevant sectors. For instance, national TB programs can provide insights into TB epidemiology and treatment, while immunisation teams can offer expertise on vaccine delivery. Meanwhile, HIV programs and primary health care services can ensure that new TB vaccines are integrated into existing services, maximising their impact.

Public confidence in new vaccines cannot be created at the last minute. People affected by TB, civil society, and health workers must be involved from the beginning. Community consultations can help governments understand local preferences, address concerns, and build trust. This is particularly important for TB, a disease that is often stigmatised and affects marginalised communities.

Vaccine readiness cannot be the sole responsibility of ministries of health. Finance ministries, parliaments, and regional cooperation bodies are key stakeholders. African countries should forecast demand for new TB vaccines, share information on pricing and supply, and strengthen regulatory readiness. This can help reduce unnecessary duplication, gain manufacturers’ confidence, and ensure fair pricing.

African governments must act early to ensure that scientific success is matched by prepared health systems, fair pricing, strong regulation, and delivery plans that reach people across the continent. The question is no longer whether to prepare, but whether African governments will act early enough to get it right and ensure that the scientific advances in TB vaccines lead to timely and equitable access for all Africans.