Potential new tuberculosis vaccines could save millions of lives, but uncertainty over future demand may create supply challenges for manufacturers, the global vaccine alliance Gavi has warned.

Gavi said uncertainty surrounding demand could affect manufacturers’ decisions to invest in production capacity for late-stage tuberculosis vaccine candidates, potentially creating supply risks once the vaccines are approved.

The alliance said it is already working with governments, manufacturers and other partners to ensure that safe and affordable TB vaccines will be available to countries as soon as they receive regulatory approval.

Gavi, which brings together governments and private-sector donors to help low-income countries access vaccines at affordable prices, said it would also support efforts to ensure widespread adoption of new TB vaccines through routine immunisation programmes.

The organisation further pledged to encourage competition and promote a geographically diverse pipeline of innovative tuberculosis vaccine candidates.

Gavi said early preparations were necessary to prevent supply shortages and ensure countries can secure sufficient vaccine doses when new products become available.

“In order to help countries secure doses in the volumes they need, we are beginning to work with partners now to lay the groundwork for timely access when these vaccines become available,” Gavi chief executive officer, Sania Nishtar, said.

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s major infectious disease threats, making the development of more effective vaccines a significant public health priority.

Gavi’s efforts are expected to focus on securing affordable supplies, supporting routine immunisation and ensuring that countries are prepared to rapidly introduce promising new TB vaccines once they are licensed.