The collaborative research project between the Walter Sisulu and North West universities has yielded a breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for tuberculosis.

Over 55,000 South Africans succumb to the condition every year, which is an average of 153 people a day. However, tuberculosis could now be on the brink of becoming preventable with the new vaccine in development.

Professor Harry Hausler – the Chief Executive Officer of TB HIV Care – says that despite their efforts, there are still steps to be made in the battle against TB.

“We are not doing enough to prevent TB, we need to also make sure that those people who are eligible for what’s called TB preventative therapy have access to it.”

The next step for the vaccine is to begin human trials, however, preparations for discussions with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority are currently under way.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk