03 Mar Developing a Global TB Vaccine Research and Development Roadmap
On 03 and 04 March 2020, a broad range of stakeholders with complementary expertise and experience in the fight to end tuberculosis (TB) will convene in Amsterdam to discuss and build consensus on the elements, challenges and objectives of the new Global Roadmap for the Research and Development (R&D) of New Tuberculosis Vaccines. The meeting is organised by the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD) in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with funding from EDCTP. The objective of this key meeting is to deliver a draft roadmap for TB vaccines R&D.
“EDCTP takes great care to align its funding strategies and plans with global, regional and national health research priorities. Access to safe and effective TB vaccine(s) for all is necessary to achieve the global End TB strategy. Therefore, we are making substantial financial investments towards TB vaccine R&D and are delighted to support the development of a global roadmap for novel TB vaccines through a very consultative process.”
Dr Michael Makanga, EDCTP Executive Director
”Tuberculosis is still the biggest infectious killer in the world. Its elimination requires that we have an effective vaccine. With real prospect now that this may be technically possible, a coordinated approach is needed to put our efforts and resources together to develop such a vaccine and maximize its public health benefit. This Roadmap will a major step in that direction.”
Prof. Frank Cobelens, Professor of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The new Roadmap will be developed to define the activities required to deliver new TB vaccines and ensure their contribution to global public health, including clinical development priorities, key capacities required, and policy and access measures needed. The two-day meeting is part of a series of planned consultations with experts and key stakeholders to clarify and build consensus on the overall goals and challenges of TB vaccine development, knowledge gaps across the development pathway, and prioritisation as part of the Roadmap design.