Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

It Takes a Community to End Tuberculosis

A new phase‑three trial of the M72 tuberculosis vaccine is underway across Africa and Asia, with roughly 20,000 volunteers, aiming to halt the progression from infection to disease. The effort is anchored in South Africa, where TB mortality remains among the world’s highest. In 2024 TB claimed an estimated 1.23 million lives, underscoring the urgency. Researchers stress that South Africa’s high burden makes it the logical testing ground, but scientific rigor alone will not guarantee success; community trust is presented as the trial’s foundation. Mr. Fana, a member of the community advisory board, describes his role as a bridge, ensuring participants understand consent without feeling pressured. “When I first heard about the possible innovation… it could revolutionize TB disease prevention,” he says, reflecting both personal loss and hope. If M72 proves effective, it could reshape TB prevention strategies throughout sub‑Saharan Africa and beyond, reducing deaths and easing health‑system strain. The model of integrating local advisory boards may become a template for future vaccine rollouts in high‑risk settings.