Eliminating TB will require developing and introducing new vaccines against TB that are safe,
effective, and affordable . Years of investment in TB vaccine research and development (R&D)
are beginning to bear fruit with positive clinical trial results and a pipeline of candidate vaccines preparing for late-stage clinical trials. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened this progress. In just one year, COVID has turned back the clock on the global TB response by up to 12 years. TB diagnosis and treatment fell dramatically in many high-TB burden countries, preluding much feared resurgences in TB cases. TB vaccine trials have been equally affected , with most investigators reporting significant delays in their research. At the same time, the pandemic has also unlocked new opportunities for vaccine innovation by bringing forth novel vaccine platforms, advances in clinical trial design, and unprecedented levels of public investment in vaccine development and manufacture. Together, these factors make 2021 one of the most promising moments in TB vaccine research in decades .
The year 2021 also marks the 100-year anniversary of the introduction of BCG . This century old technology remains the only TB vaccine available, yet it offers little to no protection to
adolescents and adults . On this centennial occasion, please join IAVI, Treatment Action Group,
and Results UK for a workshop on TB vaccine advocacy , with a focus on the European context
and the way ahead. This 90-minute webinar will open with three short presentations reviewing
scientific highlights from the upcoming Virtual Global Forum on TB Vaccines, the funding
landscape for TB vaccine research, and opportunities to strengthen European leadership and
support for TB vaccine R&D. During the remaining hour, participants will discuss opportunities
for TB vaccine advocacy in Europe with the goal of contributing to a common advocacy
roadmap leading up to the 6th Global Forum on TB Vaccines, scheduled to be held in
Toulouse, France, 2022 February, 22–24 under the high patronage of Emmanuel Macron,
President of the French Republic, and the patronage of Olivier Veran, Minister for Solidarity and
Health.
Register here: https://bit.ly/31Siitl