Category: Health
The World Health Organization’s Tuberculosis Vaccine Accelerator Council convened for its fourth meeting in Geneva on 19 May, bringing together government officials, global health organizations, civil society groups, and funding partners to accelerate the development and deployment of new tuberculosis vaccines. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly and included ministers and delegates from Brazil, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and South Africa.
Participants focused on strengthening domestic financing and national preparedness efforts to support the Accelerator Council’s priorities, with discussions centered on expanding access to new TB vaccines for adults and adolescents. Representatives from organizations including the Gates Foundation, World Bank, Gavi, the Global Fund, Unitaid, Wellcome Trust, and the Stop TB Partnership also attended the session, highlighting the broad international collaboration behind global tuberculosis prevention efforts.
The Council reviewed progress made by its three working groups following recommendations issued during the 2025 Council meeting. Discussions included advancing country readiness, advocacy initiatives, and community partnerships, as well as efforts to diversify regional manufacturing capacity for novel TB vaccines. Members also evaluated strategies to strengthen long-term sustainability and equitable vaccine access, particularly in countries with high tuberculosis burdens.
Officials additionally examined ongoing work to assess the public health impact of emerging TB vaccines within a broader framework of tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The meeting followed the first TB Vaccine Accelerator Forum hosted by WHO in Geneva in April, which brought together health leaders, vaccine developers, advocates, and funding organizations to reinforce collaboration across the Council’s working groups.
WHO said efficacy data for new tuberculosis vaccines targeting adults and adolescents remains on track to become available in 2028, underscoring the importance of continued international coordination and vaccine preparedness efforts as countries seek to accelerate progress toward ending tuberculosis globally.