New tuberculosis (TB) vaccines could become available from 2029 and may prevent millions of deaths. According to Gavi, these vaccines could prevent up to 7.3 million deaths between 2030 and 2050 if countries provide them to people who need them most.
Addressing a Major Health Threat
TB remains one of the world’s leading infectious killers, causing an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2024. Currently, BCG is the only licensed TB vaccine. However, its protection decreases over time, particularly for adolescents and adults.
Therefore, researchers are working on new vaccines that could provide stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Making Vaccines Accessible
According to ETHealthworld, new TB vaccines could also generate significant economic benefits for low- and middle-income countries. However, limited funding and uncertain demand could affect their production and distribution.
Therefore, governments, manufacturers and global health organisations must work together to ensure affordable access.
A Step Towards Ending TB
Overall, new TB vaccines could save millions of lives and strengthen global efforts to control the disease. With proper funding, research and distribution, these vaccines could play an important role in reducing the global burden of TB.