As one of a few BCG vaccine manufacturers in the world, we are pleased to mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating consequences of tuberculosis (TB), and to step up efforts to end TB globally.
TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers
More than 4100 people die of TB every day, while nearly 28.000 fall ill with this otherwise preventable and treatable disease. For the last 20 years, global and coordinated efforts have saved an estimated 66 million lives, Unfortunately, reversing years of progress, TB related deaths have recently increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic[1].
In addition, one in three TB patients now have a multidrug-resistant form of the disease for which treatment duration is extended and success rates suboptimal[2].
If left undetected, TB can stay latent in the lungs for many years and progression into the active disease can occur without warning. A major challenge is the early detection as early detection of TB is key in the deployment of treatment which reduces patient suffering and death, shortens the duration of infectiousness and reduces transmission of TB.
BCG is the first, and a century later, still the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) in the world. Today, we are reminded of the importance of our commitment and hard work to secure a life-saving supply of vaccines to people in need around the world. We are committed to continue our work with partners across the globe to help end TB by providing testing for the early detection of TB and vaccination to prevent TB.