Africa: New TB Vaccines Could Save Millions, but Africa Must Prepare Now
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is urging African nations to begin preparations for the rollout of new tuberculosis vaccines expected by 2029. While the vaccines offer a major breakthrough, success depends on manufacturing capacity, financing, and equitable distribution infrastructure.
Why it matters
Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death in Africa, and early logistical planning is essential to ensure the new vaccines reach vulnerable populations.
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.
TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, causing around 1.2 million deaths every year - equivalent to roughly one death every 26 seconds. Africa still records the highest rates of cases and deaths of any region. The burden remains substantial despite progress in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
For more than 100 years, the only licensed defence has been the Bacille Calmette-Gu rin (BCG) vaccine.
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