Professor Willem Hanekom, a global vaccine expert and Executive Director of the Africa Health Research Institute, highlighted the potential impact of these new vaccines.

"The trial was done in SA. It was an efficacy trial, meaning an early trial to determine if the vaccine can work and prevent tuberculosis after being shown to be safe in humans," Hanekom explained.

Currently, there is an anti-TB vaccine known as BCG, which is administered to babies at birth. Hanekom emphasised its effectiveness in protecting infants against tuberculosis.

However, he noted ongoing trials for vaccines aimed at adults and adolescents, presenting an opportunity to extend protection across different age groups.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--