Research presented at the the Second Global Forum on TB Vaccines in Tallinn, Estonia included the findings from interviews with senior health ministry officials in eight countries with a high burden of TB: China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Mozambique, Cambodia and Romania. Remarkably, when the interviewees were asked about their country’s major public healthcare priorities, none included TB amongst their answers.

The researchers found that when TB was mentioned to the officials, they did agree that it was an important concern. They also responded enthusiastically to the idea of introducing a new more effective TB vaccine, when such a product becomes available.

The study underlines the fact that, whilst decision makers know about TB, it does not feature prominently in their thinking. Further campaigning and advocacy work is needed to end the neglect of this disease.

Dr Christopher Dye of WHO told the Tallinn meeting that a number of new tools would be needed in the fight against TB, but if there were a new vaccine it would “really change the game”.

Further reports from the meeting are available from the Citizens News Service.