Health · 2026-10-15 · Morning briefing
New TB vaccines could save 7.3m lives; Gavi urges preparation
A new generation of tuberculosis vaccines, potentially available from 2029, could save 7.3 million lives between 2030 and 2050. The development is the first major breakthrough in TB prevention in over a century; the current Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been the sole licensed option for more than 100 years. Tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, causing 1.2 million deaths annually.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is urging governments to begin preparations now, warning that the ultimate impact depends on how quickly countries can roll out the new treatments. For Africa, which has the highest rates of TB, ensuring the vaccines are accessible and affordable is critical. Gavi projects a global demand of 86 million courses per year and estimates the vaccines could generate up to US$135 billion in economic benefits for low- and middle-income countries.
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