Unveiling Hope: Progress in the Race for a Modern TB Vaccine
Combatting Tuberculosis in a Global Context
In the developed world, tuberculosis (TB) is considered almost extinct, with the last notable case reported in England in 1950, when the renowned author George Orwell succumbed to the disease. However, the global scenario paints a starkly different picture, particularly in the southern hemisphere.
Despite extensive efforts, global TB cases saw a rise last year due to disruptions in health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization’s latest report indicates that TB claimed over a million lives, highlighting the persistent challenges in eradicating this infectious disease.
The Global TB Landscape
TB, an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, remains preventable and curable. It spreads through person-to-person transmission, often in close living quarters. Alarmingly, an estimated 10.6 million cases were reported globally, with 40% of individuals living with TB remaining undiagnosed and untreated.
While developed countries have largely contained TB, the disease continues to be a significant threat in countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, trailing closely behind COVID-19 as a leading infectious killer.
Impact of COVID-19 Disruptions
The COVID-19 pandemic, starting in 2020, overwhelmed health services worldwide, leading to a significant setback in TB diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Lucica Ditiu, the executive director of the Geneva-based Stop TB Partnership, notes a concerning trend: “Unfortunately, the incidence of TB is growing. We used to have a decline of 2% per year. And then due to COVID, we have now an increase for the last two years — 2021 and 2022 — of almost 4%.”
Disturbing Trends and Unmet Needs
The disruption caused by COVID-19 resulted in almost half a million excess deaths from TB between 2020 and 2022. The report underscores a lack of progress in addressing drug-resistant TB and childhood TB. Ditiu highlights the challenge of limited access to drug-resistant TB treatment due to inadequate diagnosis.
With an estimated 1.3 million children affected by TB, constituting 12% of global cases, and 16% of them succumbing to the disease, childhood TB remains a critical concern.
Revitalized Efforts and Improved Diagnosis
Despite the setbacks, the focus on fighting tuberculosis seems to be recovering. The total number of cases diagnosed globally last year reached 7.5 million, the highest ever recorded. This resurgence indicates a collective effort to bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis.
A Glimmer of Hope: Vaccines in the Pipeline
While there is an existing TB vaccine, BCG, its efficacy varies in different regions, and its protective effect diminishes over time. The hope lies in promising advancements, notably GlaxoSmithKline’s M72 vaccine, currently in the final stages of trials. Sixteen other vaccines are also undergoing earlier testing phases.
Dr. Ditiu emphasizes the significance of a new vaccine: “We need a vaccine. So that will be the game changer.” However, the 19% reduction in TB deaths from 2018 to 2022 falls short of the World Health Organization’s ambitious target of a 75% reduction by 2025.
Funding Challenges and Commitments
Funding remains a crucial factor in the fight against TB, with financial support falling short of the WHO target in 2022. Governments pledged $22 billion annually on TB by 2027 at a special U.N. meeting in September, underscoring the global commitment to addressing this persistent health challenge.
As the world battles the resurgence of TB exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the promising strides in vaccine development and renewed efforts provide a glimmer of hope for a future where TB is no longer a global threat.
