WHO said its first Tuberculosis Vaccine Accelerator Forum reviewed progress on adult and adolescent TB vaccines and launched a country-preparedness network.

The World Health Organization says a new global forum has taken stock of progress on vaccines designed to prevent tuberculosis in adults and adolescents, a step the agency says is meant to accelerate development, readiness and access.

WHO hosted the first Tuberculosis Vaccine Accelerator Forum in Geneva on April 27 and 28, then published an update on April 29 summarizing the discussions and next steps.

According to WHO, the forum reviewed the vaccine pipeline, policy questions, country preparedness, and financing and access issues. The agency said several clinical trials remain on track to deliver efficacy results, with some expected within the next two years.

WHO also said the forum launched a country preparedness community of practice, intended to help governments plan for introduction if candidate vaccines succeed.

The update names the forum as part of a broader TB Vaccine Accelerator effort, with the next discussion due at the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council on May 19.

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases, and WHO has framed new adult and adolescent vaccines as a key tool if late-stage candidates continue to advance.

Revision note

Initial automated publication.