Research Project
10143597
Project Summary/Abstract The Global Forum on TB Vaccines (Global Forum) is the world?s largest gathering of stakeholders striving to develop new vaccines to prevent tuberculosis (TB). In 2018, TB killed an estimated 1.5 million people, more than any other single infectious disease agent, and 10 million become sick with the disease (1). The United Nations? Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Health Organization?s (WHO) End TB Strategy, and the Stop TB Partnership?s Global Plan to End TB 2018-2022 recognize that new vaccines will be imperative to reaching global targets to eliminate TB; and world leaders committed to supporting research and development (R&D) of new tools to end TB in the political declaration from the United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB in 2018. The Global Forum provides a unique opportunity for the TB vaccine R&D community to come together to review the state of the field, share the latest research and findings, and identify new and innovative approaches to TB vaccine R&D. Program topics range from basic research to clinical trials, licensure, access, and advocacy. The 6th Global Forum on TB Vaccines is planned to take place in Toulouse, France from April 20 ? 22, 2021. The European region has long been at the forefront of TB vaccine research and innovation; and France?s leadership and commitment to global health, its excellence in tuberculosis (TB) vaccine research, and Toulouse?s reputation as a knowledge hub and center for innovation make this an exciting and appropriate venue for the 6th Global Forum. As with past Global Forums, the 6th Global Forum will provide a platform for scientific exchange and global discourse on the path forward for TB vaccine R&D, as well as opportunities to identify potential partners and collaborators. The organizers will seek ways to enhance networking opportunities, promote interactions amongst participants, and bring together participants with common interests. Additionally, the Global Forum encourages and supports early career researchers in sharing their research and offers multiple opportunities to learn from and engage with experts in the field. IAVI is requesting funding from the NIH to support travel for early-career researchers and participants from TB endemic countries who would not otherwise have the resources to attend, present their research, or participate in the discussions that take place at the 6th Global Forum. The 6th Global Forum will follow on the 5th Global Forum in New Delhi, India (2018); 4th Global Forum in Shanghai, China (April 2015); 3rd Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa (March 2013); and 2nd Global Forum in Tallinn, Estonia (September 2010). The first Global Forum on TB Vaccines was organized by the WHO and took place in Geneva in 2001.
