Ahead of World TB Day 2026, a new review about the progress on the global road map for tuberculosis (TB) vaccine research and development highlights important scientific advances while stressing the need for sustained investment, coordination, and implementation planning to accelerate the elimination of TB. The review assesses developments since the original launch of the Global Roadmap for TB Vaccine Research and Development by EDCTP and AIGHD in 2021 and identifies key actions needed to further the development, evaluation, and equitable introduction of new TB vaccines. TB remains a major global health challenge TB continues to be a major global health burden, with an estimated 10.7 million cases and 1.23 million deaths worldwide in 2024. While the BCG-vaccine provides protection against severe disease in early childhood, additional vaccines that effectively protect adolescents and adults are considered essential to achieving global elimination targets as set by the World Health Organization. Advances in research and development Substantial progress has been made in the past five years in the TB vaccine development pathway including diversification of the vaccine pipeline, state-of-the-art techniques for antigen discovery and evaluation of protective immune responses and potential correlates of protection, advancements of multiple vaccine candidates to late-stage clinical trials, improved understanding of immune responses and potential correlates of protection, expanded clinical trial capacity and increased global collaboration. Persistent challenges Despite advancements, several barriers are still to overcome. Currently, there are only a limited number of vaccine candidates in active clinical development. Furthermore, no immune correlates of protection can be readily used that could reduce the high costs of clinical trials. Additionally, correlates could accelerate early research and development for which funding remains insufficient and uncertain. Challenges also exist concerning manufacturing and market readiness. Preparing for vaccine introduction is essential prior to regulatory approval is essential for quick roll-out. Key priorities include strengthening health system readiness and, generating country-specific evidence on vaccine impact and cost-effectiveness, needed to ensure equitable access and to engage communities to support vaccine uptake. Global initiatives Global initiatives led by organisations such as Gavi and Stop TB Partnership are supporting efforts to accelerate vaccine development, financing and country preparedness. TBVI works with global partners from academia, industry and research institutions to address several of the gaps identified in the global road map review. TBVI supports innovations across the vaccine development pipeline, promotes collaboration among stakeholders and contributes to efforts that help ensure new TB vaccines are accessible to populations most affected by the disease. World TB Day 2026 On World TB Day, TBVI calls on policymakers, funders, researchers, and global health partners to strengthen their commitment to TB vaccine research and implementation. Increased investment and coordinated global collaboration are essential to accelerate progress toward effective vaccines and to reduce the global burden of tuberculosis. Read the full article “Accelerating research and development of new vaccines against tuberculosis: 5-year progress on the global roadmap”