...to develop the next generation of safe, affordable and effective TB vaccines
TBVI and EVI are building on a strong TB vaccine R&D community
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day intends to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end this global epidemic. March 24th marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch reported his discovery of the TB causing bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, paving the way towards developing diagnosis, treatments, and a vaccine.
Since 2000, global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 63 million lives. Yet, WHO estimates in 2019 that 1.4 million people died, and 10 million people fell ill with this preventable and curable disease.
“On a special day like World TB day, it is important to emphasize that we must join forces to create new affordable TB vaccines for all people. Collaboration between researchers, policymakers and funders is indispensable in this respect.” Nick Drager, TBVI’s Executive Director
To discover and develop the next generation of TB vaccines it will be essential to build on the track record of European excellence and leadership. Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI) and European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) work through the Global TB Vaccine Partnership (GTBVP) with global stakeholders to strengthen Global and European cooperation and coordination and move the field forward.
At TBVI and EVI, we believe that driving international, cross-sectorial partnerships involving public research institutions, private sector, governments, and civil society is essential to discover and develop the next generation of TB vaccines. Through sharing of knowledge, know-how and expanding TB awareness we take a step forward towards the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme goal to achieve “a world free of TB, with zero deaths, disease and suffering due to the disease by 2030”. Lessons from the success of vaccine development from the current COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced the importance of collaboration among all key stakeholders to deliver results.
“While applauding the tremendous success with COVID-19 vaccine development, we must remember that the world is still waiting desperately for a new TB vaccine.” Ole Olesen, EVI’s Executive Director
On this World TB day, it is time for action to #endTB. We invite all to join the virtual talk show 24 March at 13:00H CET organised by the WHO that will put the spotlight on TB in the midst of the ongoing COVID crisis. ‘The Clock is Ticking’, this year’s motto, conveys the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders.
About TBVI
As a non-profit foundation, TBVI creates an enabling environment for TB vaccine research and innovation (R&I) and product development. It supports its R&D partners in the development of the most promising TB vaccines and biomarker candidates through the pipeline. while adding value through providing services of technical advice for product development; project identification, development and management; and resource mobilisation.
About EVI
The European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) is a leading European non-profit Product Development Partnership (PDP) that is supporting global efforts to develop effective and affordable vaccines against diseases of poverty and emerging infectious diseases.
