Dr Mookho Malahleha, SBRI CEO and Principal Investigator attended the 7th Global Forum on TB Vaccines, on October 8-10, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The theme for this year’s forum was “Driving Innovation from Discovery to Access.” This forum is a vital annual gathering for stakeholders dedicated to developing new vaccines to combat tuberculosis (TB), which claims approximately 1.3 million lives each year. The urgency of this issue highlights the need for innovative solutions, particularly for communities severely affected by TB.
The forum featured a comprehensive program covering the entire spectrum of TB vaccine research and development, from basic discovery to clinical trials. With several vaccine candidates advancing into late-stage clinical trials, the discussions centred on strategies to ensure these new vaccines reach the populations that need them most, maximizing their public health impact. This is especially pertinent as the global TB burden remains high, necessitating effective vaccines to help reduce infection rates and increased engagement and education of communities as we plan for implementation.
Forum Attendees were reminded of their collective responsibility to change the trajectory of TB control globally. SBRI is excited participate in this forum, and the unique opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire action towards achieving sustainable access to effective TB vaccines.
With Brazil’s pivotal role in global health and its experience with TB research, this event was a highlight in the SBRI calendar. With our ongoing and future TB treatment and vaccine trials and we look forward to advancing clinical research, in the fight against TB.