Minister Motsoaledi Rallies Nation at TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop

In a stirring keynote address at the National TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi declared South Africa’s unwavering commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) through science, innovation, and decisive public health action. Speaking before a packed audience of scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders, the Minister emphasized that South Africa is ready to lead the world in introducing new TB vaccines, particularly for adolescents and adults.

“TB has shaped the history and health of our country and the world,” said Dr Motsoaledi. “But we are here because we believe TB can be ended—not through words alone, but through action, partnerships, and innovation.”

A Historic Turning Point in the Fight Against TB

The workshop, held in Johannesburg, marked the first national gathering dedicated to preparing South Africa’s health system for the introduction of preventative TB vaccines currently in advanced stages of clinical development. It focused on vaccine policy design, system readiness, community engagement, and supply chain frameworks, setting a global precedent for proactive health infrastructure planning.

The event comes as several promising TB vaccine candidates approach Phase III trial completion, offering hope for the first new TB vaccine in over a century—one that protects not only infants, but also adolescents and adults, who remain most vulnerable to TB infection and transmission.

Dr Motsoaledi acknowledged that South Africa has relied solely on the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for more than a hundred years to protect infants from TB. However, he noted its limited efficacy in older populations, calling the current situation “a devastating form of slavery” that perpetuates poverty, illness, and premature death.

“The Day of Freedom”: A Vision of Eradication

Calling the future launch of a TB vaccine for adolescents and adults “the day of true freedom from slavery,” Dr Motsoaledi likened the occasion to a moment of national liberation for communities burdened by TB. The disease remains South Africa’s leading infectious killer, disproportionately affecting people living with HIV, the poor, and marginalized communities.

“TB doesn’t only kill,” the Minister said. “It drains health systems, deepens poverty, and shortens lives. We must imagine and work towards a future where this no longer happens.”

Readiness Beyond Science: Trust, Equity, and Health Systems

Dr Motsoaledi stressed that vaccine development is just the beginning. Successful deployment will depend on the readiness of the entire health ecosystem, including:

• Health system preparedness and delivery frameworks

• Community trust and public education

• Financial investment and supply chain logistics

• Monitoring and evaluation infrastructure

The workshop explored thematic pillars including:

• Generating evidence for policy and investment

• Designing equitable vaccine delivery strategies

• Strengthening regulatory and manufacturing capabilities

“Today’s discussion reminds us that vaccine introduction is not just about science—it is about trust, readiness, and dignity,” he said.

A Call to National and Global Unity

Minister Motsoaledi reaffirmed South Africa’s global leadership role in the fight against TB, reminding attendees of his 2018 address to the United Nations, where he had urged the international community to prioritize the TB crisis.

“While global attention has shifted to new health emergencies, South Africa has never taken its eye off TB. We have remained steadfast, because we know that to defeat HIV, we must defeat TB,” he said.

He also highlighted the synergistic impact of TB vaccination on HIV control, underscoring the interlinkages between the two epidemics. He called on global partners, investors, researchers, and communities to walk hand-in-hand with South Africa on this journey.

“When South Africa wins against TB and HIV, the world will win the war,” he declared.

Mobilizing for the Future: From Policy to People

Emphasizing the moral urgency of the mission, Dr Motsoaledi urged stakeholders to focus on community outreach, equity, and inclusive planning. He appealed for strong advocacy, early public awareness campaigns, and sustained investment to ensure the successful rollout of a new vaccine once approved.

“We must walk the path with our people—from townships to rural clinics, from schools to workplaces,” he said. “Investment in human life means everything.”

South Africa: A Nation Preparing to Deliver

This national TB vaccine preparedness platform signals a critical pivot in South Africa’s public health strategy—from passive reliance on outdated interventions to proactive leadership in global vaccine equity. With new vaccines on the horizon, South Africa is positioning itself to be among the first countries ready to scale delivery to those most in need.

As the workshop concluded, attendees echoed the Minister’s message of hope, urgency, and action, united by a shared vision of a TB-free generation.