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TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop: Meet the Experts Shaping South Africa’s TB Vaccine Future

2025-07-22T15:29:59+02:00

On 23–24 July 2025, leaders from government, science, global health, and civil society will gather in Johannesburg for South Africa’s first TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop. As the country moves closer to introducing a TB vaccine for adolescents and adults, these speakers are at the forefront of building the systems, evidence, and partnerships needed to make it a reality. This diverse group of voices — from frontline policymakers and vaccine researchers to community advocates—will guide discussions on readiness, equity, delivery, and impact.

Explore the full list of speakers below and learn more about the people behind the effort to end TB in South Africa.

Day 1

Co-Chair: Mr Ramphelane Morewane

Mr Ramphelane Morewane is the Acting Deputy Director General for HIV, AIDS, TB, and Maternal & Child Health at South Africa’s National Department of Health. He holds advanced qualifications in development policy, health management, and business management. Morewane has led major national initiatives, including the 100 health facilities project, the TB Recovery Plan, and new clinical guidelines for HIV testing and maternal and neonatal care. He has co-authored key strategic documents such as the Ideal Clinic programme, the NHI Bill, and national policies on primary health outreach, Port Health Services, and non-communicable diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a central role in national coordination, overseeing oxygen supply and district health preparedness. His work continues to shape health policy and system strengthening in South Africa, with a focus on improving outcomes across HIV, TB, and maternal and child health services.

Co-Chair: Prof Fareed Abdullah

Prof. Fareed Abdullah is a leading South African public health physician and researcher, currently serving as Director of the Office of AIDS and TB Research at the South African Medical Research Council and Co-Chair of the National TB Think Tank. He also practices as an HIV clinician at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. A graduate of UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, he later specialized in Public Health Medicine at UCT. Prof. Abdullah has played a pivotal role in HIV, TB, and COVID-19 responses over several decades. He led the rollout of antiretroviral treatment in the Western Cape during the early HIV crisis and served as CEO of SANAC (2012–2017), strengthening HIV services for vulnerable populations. He also headed the Africa Unit at the Global Fund (2008–2011). For his contributions to public health, he was awarded the French National Order of Merit, underscoring his national and international impact.

Prof Yogan Pillay

Prof. Yogan Pillay leads the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s global efforts to strengthen TB and HIV program delivery. He joined the foundation in 2023 after serving as South Africa Country Director and Senior Director for Universal Health Coverage at the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Previously, he was Deputy Director-General for Health Programs in South Africa’s National Department of Health, where he played a key role in shaping TB, HIV, and health systems strategies. Prof. Pillay holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and has made significant academic contributions, co-authoring global health textbooks and publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles. He is also an Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch University’s Division of Health Systems and Public Health. For his leadership in TB control, he received the Karel Styblo Medallion in 2018 and a Certificate of Appreciation from the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, recognizing his impact on global TB efforts.

Dr Birgitte Giersing

Dr Birgitte Giersing is a leading global expert on tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development, serving as Team Lead for Vaccine Platforms & Prioritization and head of the TB Vaccines Accelerator Secretariat within WHO’s Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals department. With nearly a decade at WHO, she guides the Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC), shaping tools and mechanisms to set vaccine R&D priorities and to partner with stakeholders worldwide to accelerate regulatory approval and uptake in low- and middle-income countries. Previously, she held key roles in vaccine product development in both industry and the non-profit sector.

Ms Phumeza Tisile

Ms Phumeza Tisile is a health activist, TIME100 Next honoree, a student at the University of Cape Town, and an Advocacy Officer at TB Proof. In 2010, she was misdiagnosed with drug-sensitive TB while in fact battling extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). She endured a grueling two-year treatment for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which left her deaf. In 2015, she regained her hearing through life-changing cochlear implants. Phumeza has become a powerful global voice for people affected by TB. She co-authored and presented the world’s first Drug-Resistant TB Manifesto at the 67th World Health Assembly in Geneva, calling for patient-centered approaches and equitable access to care. Her advocacy highlights the lived experiences of TB survivors, focusing on stigma, access to treatment, and inclusion in TB research and policy. Phumeza continues to speak, write, and inspire others to center the voices of those most affected by TB in the fight to end it.

Dr Sandile Buthelez

Dr Sandile Buthelezi is the Director-General of South Africa’s National Department of Health and a seasoned public health practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in health governance, policy, and programme management. A medical doctor by training, he began his career as a clinician and Medical Superintendent in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, before serving for a decade as head of Strategic Health Programmes in KZN—overseeing HIV, TB, maternal and child health, nutrition, and communicable diseases. Prior to joining the Department, he was South Africa’s Country Director for ICAP at Columbia University and previously held a senior technical role with the DFID-funded SARRAH programme. Dr Buthelezi brings deep expertise in both clinical care and systems-level health reform, with a strong focus on strengthening public health services for equity and impact.

Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi

Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi is a seasoned public health executive with over 32 years of experience, specializing in strategic leadership across maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and non-communicable diseases. In January 2025, she was appointed WHO Country Representative in South Africa. Before this, she spent 7.5 years as Director in the Office of the WHO Director-General, advising on political strategy and coordinating executive activities. A national of Botswana, El-Halabi previously served as Permanent Secretary in Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, managing a major public health workforce and one of the country’s largest budgets. She has held multiple senior roles in Botswana’s public service over 24.5 years. A graduate of Boston University School of Public Health, she brings global and national expertise to her current role. El-Halabi is widely recognized for her skills in negotiation, alliance-building, and driving impactful health programs, contributing significantly to global and regional health systems strengthening.

Hon Dr Aaron Motsoaledi

Hon. Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi was reappointed as South Africa’s Minister of Health in July 2024, having previously served in the role from 2009 to 2019. A qualified medical doctor, he began his career in rural healthcare before transitioning to public service, holding various MEC roles in Limpopo from 1994 to 2009. Nationally, he is recognized for transforming HIV/AIDS policy post-Mbeki, expanding antiretroviral treatment, launching South Africa’s largest HIV testing campaign in 2010, and strengthening TB control. He also played a key role in major public health crises, such as the Ebola and listeriosis outbreaks and the Life Esidimeni tragedy. Dr. Motsoaledi was instrumental in developing the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme and is praised for evidence-based, reform-oriented leadership. In 2025, he launched a campaign to enroll 1.1 million people on HIV treatment, supporting the 95-95-95 targets. His leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to equitable, resilient health systems and universal health coverage.

SESSION I: NATIONAL TB & VACCINATION STRATEGIES

To present and contextualise South Africa's TB burden, TB prevention and care, immunisation infrastructure, and early vaccine policy considerations to identify opportunities and challenges for introducing a new TB vaccine.

Session Chair: Dr Simangele Mthethwa

Dr Simangele Mthethwa serves as National Professional Officer for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) and Surveillance at WHO South Africa, where she oversees efforts to strengthen immunisation coverage and disease monitoring across the country’s provinces. A medical doctor and epidemiologist, she plays a leading role in WHO-led webinars on polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria and outbreak preparedness, engaging stakeholders across public and private sectors. Her work during Africa Vaccination Week 2025 focused on closing immunisation gaps and reaching zero dose children through community outreach and system driven data strategies. Educated in South Africa with advanced credentials in public health, Dr Mthethwa combines clinical, epidemiological, and policy expertise to drive vaccine equity nationwide.

Prof Norbert Ndjeka

Prof. Norbert Ndjeka is a distinguished South African specialist in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, currently serving as Chief Director of TB Control & Management at the National Department of Health. A family physician and researcher, he holds an M.D. from the University of Kinshasa, a Master of Medicine in Family Medicine from Medunsa, and diplomas in health services management and HIV management. Since 2009, he has driven transformative TB programmes—expanding MDR TB initiation sites from 17 to over 650, decentralizing care, and incorporating shorter, all oral regimens such as BPaL and BPaLM into national policy under his stewardship. Ndjeka also serves as WHO advisor on MDR/XDR TB, chairs the African Green Light Committee, and presides over the End TB SADC Committee. Awarded an honorary doctorate from UCT and appointed Honorary Associate Professor there, he has published extensively and shapes both policy and research across Africa.

Dr Lesley Bamford

Dr Lesley Bamford is a paediatrician who also holds a post-graduate degree in the social sciences and a doctorate in public health. She has worked in Child, Youth and School Health in the South African National Department of Health since 2006, and has extensive experience in knowledge management, policy and guideline development, programme design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of national health programmes. During the COVID-19 pandemic she co-ordinated operations for the country’s vaccine roll-out. She is currently responsible for the department’s Maternal, Women’s and Child Health programmes. Her work focuses on ensuring that women, mothers and children survive and thrive through strengthening delivery of women’s, maternal, newborn and child health services at community, primary health care and hospital levels.

Prof Angelique Luabeya

Prof Angelique Kany-Kany Luabeya is a leading expert in tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development and clinical trials, serving as Principal Investigator at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), University of Cape Town. Trained as a medical doctor with a Master’s in Epidemiology, she integrates clinical and public health expertise to lead cutting-edge TB vaccine and translational research. Prof Luabeya spearheads major vaccine trials, including M72/AS01E Phase 3, VPM1002, MTBVAC, BCG revaccination, and first-in-human studies for TB prevention and therapy. She has also played pivotal roles in COVID-19 vaccine trials (Novavax and Janssen) and diagnostic innovations, including non-sputum TB detection using tongue swabs.

Dr Waasila Jassat

Dr. Waasila Jassat is a public health expert with a career spanning over two decades. She holds degrees in Medicine (2000), Public Health Medicine (2010) and PhD (2023). Her PhD focused on the implementation gap in health policy, specifically drug-resistant TB decentralization. Dr. Jassat has over 70 publications and has presented at local and international conferences. She currently provides technical support to the National TB Programme. She is an active member of several advisory bodies, including the National Advisory Group on Immunization (NAGI) since 2023, where she chairs the TB Vaccines working group.

SESSION II: EVALUATING THE IMPACT AND EVIDENCE BASE FOR TB VACCINE INTRODUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

To review current evidence and identify priority knowledge gaps to support TB vaccine introduction decision-making in South Africa.

Session Chair: Prof Rudzani Muloiwa

Prof. Rudzani Muloiwa is a renowned South African pediatrician and vaccine-preventable disease specialist. He serves as Head of Paediatrics & Child Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, and is Co-Director of the Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA). A graduate of UKZN (MBChB), he earned his FCPaeds in 2004, MSc in Public Health (LSHTM), and PhD on pertussis epidemiology. He leads pediatric HIV care at Groote Schuur Hospital and vaccine-preventable disease research. Prof. Muloiwa sits on NITAG, WHO RITAG, and the Global Pertussis Initiative, championing vaccine equity and evidence-based policy in Africa.

Prof Limakatso Lebina

Limakatso Lebina is Director for Clinical Trials at Africa Health Research Institute. She has managed multiple clinical trials and implementation science research studies on HIV, TB and COVID-19 prevention and management. She recently received funding for a project to explore models of delivering adolescent and adult vaccination for a novel TB vaccine in South Africa. As well as determining optimal strategies to enhance uptake of a novel TB vaccines. Her other TB implementation science research projects include an observational study to assess whether the addition of tongue swabs to current standard of care sputum collection for adult patients with a clear risk factor for TB attending clinics will identify additional patients with TB. She is a member of SA TB Think Tank and BRICS TB Research Network. She has co-authored over 90 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at local and international conferences.

Ms Deanne Goldberg

Deanne Goldberg currently leads the Clinton Health Access Initiative’s (CHAI) tuberculosis (TB) access programme in South Africa. CHAI’s TB work focuses on supporting partner governments to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent TB to save lives and decrease transmission. CHAI works with suppliers and governments to facilitate access to novel quality-assured products at lower prices that offer higher cure rates, shorter treatment durations, and fewer side effects. Deanne’s work has focused on driving improvements in TB medicines procurement and quantification, new treatment and product adoption, price optimization and business case development, and market access for essential TB products in South Africa.

Prof Richard White

Richard White is a Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling in the Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, the TB Centre and the Vaccine Centre at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Richard led the establishment of LSHTM’s Centre of Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases in 2007. He was awarded a Methodology Research Fellowship from the UK Medical Research Council in 2009 and the Director’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research in 2020. Richard is the Director of the T Modelling and Analysis Consortium and co-leads LSHTM’s TB Modelling Group. Among his many committee memberships, he is co-chair of Epidemiology, Modelling, and Trial Designs Research Community in the Consortium for TB Vaccine Discovery and the TB lead of the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria Modelling Guidance Committee.

Dr Mmamapudi Kubjane

Mmamapudi Kubjane is an epidemiologist and mathematical modeller interested in modelling TB and assessing the impacts of interventions at the population level. She received her undergraduate training in Mathematics (BSc Hons), followed by an MPH and a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, all from the University of Cape Town. Her PhD research focused on modelling TB in South Africa and involved developing the Thembisa TB model. She currently works at the Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, conducting economic evaluations of TB programmatic interventions and supporting the development of the South African TB Investment Case.

Prof Willem Hanekom

Willem Hanekom is executive director of the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI, www.ahri.org) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This 830-person independent academic research institute has a vision of “Optimal health and wellbeing of under-resourced populations”. He holds a professor position at University College London. Willem has worked in TB vaccine discovery and development for most of his career, including directing the South African TB Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at the University of Cape Town, and leading the TB vaccine programme at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He serves in an advisory capacity on various vaccination related committees, globally.

SESSION III: PRIORITISING POPULATIONS FOR EARLY ADOPTION AND STRATEGIES TO DELIVER

To examine equity, impact, and feasibility considerations for early TB vaccine adoption; and collaboratively identify priority populations and delivery strategies suited to South Africa.

Session Chair: Dr Lindiwe Mvusi

Dr Lindiwe Mvusi is the Director in the TB Control and Management Cluster within the National Department of Health. She is a medical practitioner with post graduate training in occupational, and public health. She had 11 years’ experience in clinical work both in the private and public sectors prior to joining the Department of Health in 2001. In the current position she is responsible for TB policy development, training, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the national policies and overall coordination of the TB programme. She has been involved in the development of TB and Drug Resistant TB policies and the scale up TB and HIV collaborative activities in the country and has served as technical advisor on the WHO DOTS Expansion Working Group, TB/ HIV and MDR-TB Working Group and the Mining Industry, HIV/AIDS and TB Advisory Committee.

Prof Mark Hatherill

Professor Mark Hatherill is Director and leader of the clinical research team of the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), a University of Cape Town research group focused on understanding risk for and protection against TB, to develop better vaccines and preventive therapies to impact the global epidemic. He is PI of the Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT) South Africa Network. His work focuses on the design and implementation of clinical trials of novel TB vaccines; and cohort studies of novel TB biomarkers in children and adolescents.

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu is a TB survivor and men’s health advocate, and the eldest son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Buthle MaMathe of KwaZulu-Natal. After surviving a life-threatening battle with pulmonary TB in 2010—including losing a lung—he became South Africa’s National TB Ambassador, using his story to break stigma and encourage men to seek care early. Through his “Isibaya Samadoda” initiative, he champions holistic men’s health, including HIV/TB testing, medical circumcision, and anti-GBV messaging. Prince Zulu travels extensively to Zulu hostels and communities, calling for responsible masculinity and honoring his father’s legacy through health activism.

Prof Kogie Naidoo

Professor Kogieleum Naidoo, MBChB, PhD, serves as the Deputy Director at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), and is an Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research contributions have significantly influenced both local and international guidelines on TB-HIV treatment integration. Prof. Naidoo serves as Vice Chair of the NIH ACTG Tuberculosis Transformative Science Group, the WHO HIV Guideline Development Committee, the South African National DR-TB Clinical Advisory Committee, the TB Vaccine Working Group of the South African National Advisory Group on Immunization, and as board member of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society. Prof. Naidoo has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to science. She is site PI on several clinical trials evaluating novel TB vaccines.

Ms Jacqueline Ngozo

Ms. Jacqueline Ngozo – Strategic Leader, TB Control, KwaZulu Natal Department of Health. She is currently serving as an acting Chief Director of the Strategic Health Programme at the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health. Ms Jacqueline Ngozo is a public health leader in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, currently serving as Acting Chief Director of Strategic Health Programmes and formerly as TB Programme Manager for the KZN Health Department. A registered nurse by training, she transitioned to public health after earning a Master’s in the field, where she discovered a passion for tuberculosis control. Renowned for championing innovative, system driven TB interventions—such as mass screening in clinics and “war rooms” at community level—Ngozo has helped increase TB screening from 11 % to over 70 % in public facilities. Under her leadership, KZN continues to reduce TB incidence and tackle drug resistant strains and HIV co infection through evidence based strategies.

Dr Pren Naidoo

Dr Pren Naidoo is a distinguished public health management consultant based in South Africa. Holding an MBChB, MBA, and PhD, she previously led TB and HIV programmes in the City of Cape Town, establishing multisectoral action teams. She is currently Chairperson of NACOSA’s Board of Directors and serves as Health Systems & Operational Research Lead at Stellenbosch University’s Desmond Tutu TB Centre. Since 2009 she’s supported the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on TB delivery in South Africa, contributed to national TB strategy think tanks, and driven data driven, community-focused health system innovations. Her leadership continues to shape effective HIV/TB interventions across public and non profit sectors.

Dr Thuthula Balfour

Dr Thuthula Balfour is Head of Health and Lead on Women in Mining at the Minerals Council South Africa. A medical doctor and public health medicine specialist, she also holds an MBA and a Diploma in Occupational Health. Her 37-year career includes 24 years in strategic roles and 17 in the mining sector. She serves on the boards of the Mine Health and Safety Council and the Department of Labour’s Compensation Board, and was a member of the Health Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 (2020–2023). Dr Balfour holds a Board Leadership certificate from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and is a member of the Institute of Directors in South Africa. In 2018, she was named one of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. She is deeply committed to disease prevention and advancing equity in health and the workplace.

Day 2

SESSION IV: POLICY & INTRODUCTION PATHWAYS

To clarify decision-making and regulatory processes for TB vaccine introduction, and identify enabling factors, financing mechanisms, and implementation strategies within national structures.

Dr Alexander Schmidt

Dr. Alexander Schmidt, MD, PhD, is the Chief Medical Officer & Head of Vaccine Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI). Joining in 2018 after leading Pfizer trials for dengue, RSV, and influenza at GSK, he earlier completed pediatric training (Charité, Berlin) and a decade at NIAID/NIH in translational vaccine R&D. He earned his MD and PhD at Freie Universität Berlin. Under his leadership, Gates MRI is advancing the M72/AS01E TB vaccine into global Phase 3 trials, alongside efforts for novel malaria and diarrheal disease vaccines. A recognized member of ASM, ASV, and ASTMH, Schmidt has earned the NIH Director’s Award and other honors.

Dr Morena Makhoana

Dr Morena Makhoana, MBChB (UCT), is the Chief Executive Officer of Biovac Institute, based in Cape Town, South Africa, a role he assumed on 1 June 2010 after serving as Deputy CEO and Medical Affairs Director since 2004. Under his leadership, Biovac transformed from a 24-person vaccine distributor into a manufacturing entity with over 400 staff, securing major technology transfers from Sanofi and Pfizer, including local hexavalent vaccine production. He graduated MBChB from the University of Cape Town and furthered his executive education at Stanford and Harvard business schools. Dr. Makhoana champions long-term public–private collaboration—25–30 year contracts—to build sustainable vaccine ecosystems, aiming to establish Biovac as a regional vaccine manufacturing hub serving Southern Africa and beyond.

Prof Petro Terblanche

Prof. Petro Terblanche, DSc, MSc, is CEO of Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines in Cape Town and a part-time Professor at North West University. She leads the WHO Global mRNA Technology Transfer Hub, pioneering mRNA vaccine development for diseases such as COVID-19, TB, HIV, and Rift Valley fever, with a focus on empowering low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Holding advanced degrees in medical oncology from the University of Pretoria, she completed postdoctoral work at Harvard and executive training at MIT. Prof. Terblanche has held senior roles at SAMRC, CSIR, Pelchem, and NECSA, and served as President of the Global Alliance for TB Drug Discovery’s Stakeholders Organization (2007–2010). She has authored over 200 scientific publications and was named one of the “Legends of Science” by the Academy of Sciences South Africa. Her leadership at Afrigen symbolizes African biotech self-reliance, driving local innovation, sustainability, and vaccine manufacturing capacity across the continent.

Dr Boitumelo (Tumi) Semete-Makokotlela

Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela is the CEO of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), responsible for ensuring access to safe, effective, and quality health products and overseeing clinical trials in South Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and an MSc in Management Finance and Investment. She chairs the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) initiative, which supports regulatory alignment across Africa and lays the groundwork for the African Medicines Agency. With deep experience in research and innovation, she previously served as Executive Director at CSIR Biosciences and led a biotechnology incubator at The Innovation Hub. She has contributed to strategic continental initiatives, including the AU Health Research Strategy and WHO Afro Expert Panel. Dr. Semete-Makokotlela also served on South Africa’s COVID-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee. A McKinsey Leadership Fellow and African Leadership Initiative Fellow, she has authored scientific papers and holds positions on several advisory boards, championing health innovation across Africa.

Ms Tara Prasad

Ms. Tara Prasad is a public health professional currently serving as Team Lead, Global Vaccine Access at the World Health Organization. With a degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, she has a strong background in vaccine policy and program implementation. Her career focuses on enabling equitable access to critical immunizations in low- and middle-income countries, working closely with global health stakeholders to support sustainable vaccine introduction strategies. The LinkedIn profile highlights her international leadership in strengthening health systems through vaccine access programs.

Mr Russell Rensburg

Mr Russell Rensburg is a health activist working towards equitable access to quality health care for rural communities and serves as the current RHAP director. He has over 15 years' experience working on strengthening health systems, with 8 of those spent managing technical assistance in Eastern Africa and South Africa. He has a strong interest in strengthening the responsiveness of public finance allocation and governance processes towards advancing the fulfilment the right to healthcare to rural communities. He has served as a commissioner on the South Africa Lancet Commission for quality health systems as well on the ministerial task team tasked with the development of the National Human Resources for Health Strategy. He is a founding member of the Budget Justice Coalition and a member of the advisory panel of the Public Economics project at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at WITS.

SESSION V: ENABLERS FOR TB VACCINE INTRODUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Breakout sessions to explore and define priority actions across key domains essential for successful TB vaccine introduction and uptake. Participants will join pre-assigned breakaway groups (see registration pack).

Breakaway Group 1: Generating Evidence for Policy and Investment. This session will explore priority evidence needs to inform policy decisions, including cost-effectiveness analyses, budget impact assessments, and the data required to support vaccine adoption and sustainability within health systems

Moderator: Prof Anne von Gottberg

Prof. Anne von Gottberg is a globally recognized microbiologist and public health leader specializing in respiratory and vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance. She serves as Laboratory Lead at the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Johannesburg. An Associate Professor at Wits University’s School of Pathology and Honorary Professor at the University of Cape Town, she earned her MBBCh and PhD at Wits and specialized in clinical microbiology through NHLS. Founder of GERMS SA, she leads South Africa’s enhanced invasive bacterial disease surveillance. Prof. von Gottberg chairs South Africa’s National Advisory Group for Immunisation (NAGI) and focuses research on pathogen surveillance, vaccine effectiveness, and antimicrobial resistance.

Moderator: Dr Waasila Jassat

Dr. Waasila Jassat is a public health expert with a career spanning over two decades. She holds degrees in Medicine (2000), Public Health Medicine (2010) and PhD (2023). Her PhD focused on the implementation gap in health policy, specifically drug-resistant TB decentralization. Dr. Jassat has over 70 publications and has presented at local and international conferences. She currently provides technical support to the National TB Programme. She is an active member of several advisory bodies, including the National Advisory Group on Immunization (NAGI) since 2023, where she chairs the TB Vaccines working group.

Rapporteur: Dr Noriah Maraba

Dr Noriah Maraba is a Senior Research Manager at the Aurum Institute, where she contributes significantly to TB/HIV research and implementation science. She plays a central role in strategic oversight, project operationalization, and research leadership within Aurum’s health systems and implementation research programs. Dr Maraba is a public health professional with more than 10 years in global health research. She trained as an epidemiologist with both quantitative and qualitative research skills. Dr Maraba has experience in tuberculosis and TB/HIV co-infection implementation science studies across primary health clinics, communities and mining companies. She has been involved in studies using digital technologies along the TB care cascade.

Breakaway Group 2: Strengthening Delivery Systems for TB Vaccines. Focusing on system readiness, this session will address delivery platforms, integration with TB-HIV and immunisation programmes, laboratory and pharmacovigilance capacity, and the role of private sector and surveillance systems in reaching target pops

Moderator: Dr Lindiwe Mvusi

Dr Lindiwe Mvusi is the Director in the TB Control and Management Cluster within the National Department of Health. She is a medical practitioner with post graduate training in occupational, and public health. She had 11 years’ experience in clinical work both in the private and public sectors prior to joining the Department of Health in 2001. In the current position she is responsible for TB policy development, training, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the national policies and overall coordination of the TB programme. She has been involved in the development of TB and Drug Resistant TB policies and the scale up TB and HIV collaborative activities in the country and has served as technical advisor on the WHO DOTS Expansion Working Group, TB/ HIV and MDR-TB Working Group and the Mining Industry, HIV/AIDS and TB Advisory Committee.

Moderator: Prof Limakatso Lebina

Limakatso Lebina is Director for Clinical Trials at Africa Health Research Institute. She has managed multiple clinical trials and implementation science research studies on HIV, TB and COVID-19 prevention and management. She recently received funding for a project to explore models of delivering adolescent and adult vaccination for a novel TB vaccine in South Africa. As well as determining optimal strategies to enhance uptake of a novel TB vaccines. Her other TB implementation science research projects include an observational study to assess whether the addition of tongue swabs to current standard of care sputum collection for adult patients with a clear risk factor for TB attending clinics will identify additional patients with TB. She is a member of SA TB Think Tank and BRICS TB Research Network. She has co-authored over 90 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at local and international conferences.

Rapporteur: Dr Priashni Subrayen

Dr Priashni Subrayen, MBChB, MBA is a medical doctor with over 15 years of experience in public health in South Africa and internationally. She serves as the Technical Director: TB at the Aurum Institute, where she leads technical and strategic oversight of TB and TB-HIV programming—including managing data analytics, systems processes, and programme design. Her strong focus is on systems thinking, process re-engineering, data analytics, and health system strengthening, especially within TB and HIV programme contexts in South Africa over the past decade. Previously, Dr Subrayen provided strategic direction and programme support across South Africa’s national, provincial, district, and facility levels for the USAID TB/HIV initiative. She also heads the Secretariat of the South African National TB Think Tank, playing a pivotal role in national-level policy and technical coordination.

Breakaway Group 3: Manufacturing and Supply Readiness. This session will cover TB vaccine production and supply chain considerations, including global and regional manufacturing capacity, procurement planning, and ensuring timely and equitable availability of vaccines.

Moderator: Ms Khadija Jamaloodien

Ms. Khadija Jamaloodien (BPharm, BCom Law, MSc Clinical Epidemiology) is the Chief Director of Health Products Procurement in South Africa, leading the development of the Office of Health Products Procurement to advance the National Health Insurance (NHI) agenda. She provides strategic oversight on procurement policies, governance, and equitable access to medicines. Previously, as Director of Affordable Medicines (2014–2023), she managed the Essential Drugs Programme and national frameworks like the Standard Treatment Guidelines. During COVID-19, she led efforts to safeguard ARV and TB medication supplies. Ms. Jamaloodien plays a key role in medicine availability, supply chain risk mitigation, and pricing negotiations for cutting-edge biotechnologies.

Moderator: Dr Morena Makhoana

Dr Morena Makhoana, MBChB (UCT), is the Chief Executive Officer of Biovac Institute, based in Cape Town, South Africa, a role he assumed on 1 June 2010 after serving as Deputy CEO and Medical Affairs Director since 2004. Under his leadership, Biovac transformed from a 24-person vaccine distributor into a manufacturing entity with over 400 staff, securing major technology transfers from Sanofi and Pfizer, including local hexavalent vaccine production. He graduated MBChB from the University of Cape Town and furthered his executive education at Stanford and Harvard business schools. Dr. Makhoana champions long-term public–private collaboration—25–30 year contracts—to build sustainable vaccine ecosystems, aiming to establish Biovac as a regional vaccine manufacturing hub serving Southern Africa and beyond.

Rapporteur: Prof Mohlopheni Marakalala

Professor Mohlopheni Marakalala is a leading South African immunologist known for his influential work on tuberculosis (TB) immunopathogenesis and host-directed therapies. He has held academic and research positions at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), University College London (UCL), and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His research explores granuloma biology, lung tissue damage, and immune evasion by M. tuberculosis, with an emphasis on developing innovative TB diagnostics and therapies. A Wellcome Trust Fellow and advocate for African-led science, Prof. Marakalala’s work bridges basic science and global health impact.

Breakaway Group 4: Regulatory Alignment and Policy Integration. Participants will discuss strategies for regulatory preparedness, including pathways for vaccine approval, coordination with national regulatory authorities, and the integration of TB vaccines into broader policy and guideline frameworks.

Moderator: Prof Helen Rees

Professor Helen Rees is the chairperson of SAHPRA; a founder and Executive Director of Wits RHI, the largest research institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. A medical doctor and leading global health expert, she holds senior academic roles at Wits, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Cambridge University, and has received honorary doctorates from the University of London and Rhodes University. Renowned for her work in vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV, and sexual and reproductive health, she has advised the South African government since the dawn of democracy and serves on numerous national and WHO global health committees, including those on Mpox, Polio, Ebola, and pandemic preparedness. She chairs WHO’s African Regional Immunization Advisory Group, co-leads the Poxvirus Collaborating Centre, and chairs the MedAccess Board. Her contributions have earned her major honours, including the Order of the Baobab, OBE, Officer of the French National Order of Merit, and WHO’s prestigious Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health. She is also a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

Rapporteur: Dr Matsie Mphahlele

Dr Matsie Mphahlele, a leading expert in tuberculosis (TB) and infection control in South Africa. She currently working as an Independent Consultant & Senior Technical Advisor at Aurum Institute, specialising in TB Infection Prevention & Control (IPC). Dr Mphahlele is a skilled in molecular microbiology, drug-resistant TB, and airborne infection control. Dr Mphahlele is a highly respected TB and infection control specialist in South Africa. With a wealth of experience in molecular TB research, IPC training, and leadership roles at major health conferences, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening TB prevention efforts across the region.

Breakaway Group 5: Financing and Access Strategies. This session will focus on domestic and international financing mechanisms, procurement strategies, and pathways to ensure equitable access to TB vaccines, especially in high-burden, low-resource settings.

Moderator: Prof Norbert Ndjeka

Prof. Norbert Ndjeka is a distinguished South African specialist in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, currently serving as Chief Director of TB Control & Management at the National Department of Health. A family physician and researcher, he holds an M.D. from the University of Kinshasa, a Master of Medicine in Family Medicine from Medunsa, and diplomas in health services management and HIV management. Since 2009, he has driven transformative TB programmes—expanding MDR TB initiation sites from 17 to over 650, decentralizing care, and incorporating shorter, all oral regimens such as BPaL and BPaLM into national policy under his stewardship. Ndjeka also serves as WHO advisor on MDR/XDR TB, chairs the African Green Light Committee, and presides over the End TB SADC Committee. Awarded an honorary doctorate from UCT and appointed Honorary Associate Professor there, he has published extensively and shapes both policy and research across Africa.

Moderator: Ms Deanne Goldberg

Ms Deanne Goldberg is the Program Manager for TB Access at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Johannesburg. She leads national efforts to strengthen TB screening and diagnosis, with a focus on digital and community-based innovations. At CHAI, she directed the rollout of “TBCheck,” a self-screening tool via WhatsApp/USSD, in collaboration with South Africa’s National TB Program and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ms Goldberg also led community activations to promote testing and combat stigma. With a background in epidemiology and program management, she bridges implementation, research, and policy to address South Africa’s ~150,000 “missing” TB cases annually.

Rapporteur: Dr Refiloe Matji

Dr Refiloe Matji is a South African public health physician with over 20 years of experience working on TB and TB/HIV programmes. She is a founder and CEO of AQUITY Innovations, an NGO focused on public health programming, technical assistance, and capacity building. She is a highly experienced in TB/TB HIV programming, having collaborated with major international organisations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), WHO, and USAID. Dr Matji serves on international working groups addressing TB and TB/HIV and provides strategic technical input to health programmes across Africa. Dr Matji is widely recognised in the field for her programmatic leadership and strategic contributions to public health initiatives in South Africa and beyond.

Breakaway Group 6: Driving Vaccine Uptake and Community Trust. Addressing the social dimensions of TB vaccine introduction, this session will highlight research and advocacy approaches to strengthen community engagement, build vaccine confidence, and overcome hesitancy.

Moderator: Mr Russell Rensburg

Mr Russell Rensburg is a health activist working towards equitable access to quality health care for rural communities and serves as the current RHAP director. He has over 15 years' experience working on strengthening health systems, with 8 of those spent managing technical assistance in Eastern Africa and South Africa. He has a strong interest in strengthening the responsiveness of public finance allocation and governance processes towards advancing the fulfilment the right to healthcare to rural communities. He has served as a commissioner on the South Africa Lancet Commission for quality health systems as well on the ministerial task team tasked with the development of the National Human Resources for Health Strategy. He is a founding member of the Budget Justice Coalition and a member of the advisory panel of the Public Economics project at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at WITS.

Rapporteur: Prof Sizulu Moyo

Professor Sizulu Moyo is a public health physician and Research Director in the Human and Social Capabilities Division at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). She holds an MBChB, MPH (Epidemiology), and PhD in Paediatrics and Child Health with a focus on TB. A seasoned researcher and NRF-rated scientist, Prof. Moyo has led numerous national surveillance studies, including South Africa’s first National TB Prevalence Survey and several HIV and COVID-19 seroprevalence surveys. Her work spans TB, HIV, and health systems research. She serves as a WHO consultant, member of the SA TB Think Tank, and SANAC Technical Working Group on TB.

SESSION VI: ACTION PLANNING

To consolidate inputs into actionable recommendations, aligning policy, research, and stakeholder coordination to develop a draft roadmap for TB vaccine adoption.

Facilitated Discussion: Suggestions for concrete next steps

Facilitator: Dr Dennis Falzon

Dr Dennis Falzon works at the Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STI of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Before joining WHO in 2008 he worked in public health in both state and non-governmental sectors. At WHO, Dr Falzon leads a team focusing on guidance on TB screening, preventive treatment and infection control; dissemination of guidance; and the integration of digital technologies and other innovations in support of the End TB Strategy.

WHO Releases New Guidance to Help Countries Better Measure TB’s Economic Burden on Households

2025-06-20T14:48:22+02:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released updated global guidance titled Surveys of Costs Faced by Households Affected by Tuberculosis. The new publication replaces the 2017 version and offers countries an expanded and more robust framework for measuring the financial burden of tuberculosis (TB) on individuals and their families.

Aurum is proud to acknowledge Don Mudzengi, a Health Economist at our organisation, who served as a reviewer on the updated guideline. His contribution supports global efforts to ensure TB responses are informed by accurate and comprehensive data on the economic impact of the disease.

“TB impoverishes those affected, their households, and communities,” says Don. “This update introduces more accurate methods to better measure the costs of seeking care, illness, and TB sequelae, providing clearer estimates to support the elimination of catastrophic costs.”

The guideline provides practical steps for national TB programmes, ministries of health, researchers, and technical partners to design and implement nationally representative surveys. These surveys collect data on:

Direct medical costs – such as consultation fees and medicines
Direct non-medical costs – including transport, food and accommodation
Indirect costs – like lost income due to illness
Use of social protection and coping strategies

One of the key indicators tracked by these surveys is the proportion of TB-affected households facing catastrophic total costs, defined as total TB-related expenses exceeding 20% of a household’s annual income. This indicator is central to monitoring progress towards the WHO’s End TB Strategy target of zero TB-affected families facing catastrophic costs.

The updated guideline also encourages the use of survey results to inform national health financing and social protection policies, while promoting stronger multisectoral collaboration to reduce the economic burden of TB.

As a long-standing leader in TB research and implementation, Aurum remains committed to generating evidence that drives equity-focused policy and practice across the TB care continuum.

To access the WHO guidelines, visit: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240104570

Aurum’s Finance Team Drives Digital Transformation with D365

2024-11-20T17:55:06+02:00

Transitioning to a new system is never easy, and Aurum’s finance team knows this first-hand. When tasked with moving the petty cash and credit card management from SharePoint to Dynamics 365 (D365), the team faced several hurdles. However, their dedication and teamwork paid off, transforming what began as a challenge into a major success.

For Assistant Financial Accountants Pauline Sekati and Siyathemba Khumala, one of the biggest challenges was convincing long-time users of the old system to embrace D365. "There was resistance at first; people were used to the old way of doing things," Pauline explained. “It required patience, structured training, and one-on-one support to help everyone adapt.” Siya added, “We had to take extra care in explaining how the new system could actually make their lives easier—once they saw that, it became much smoother.”

The process also revealed gaps in preparedness and data integrity. Custodians needed to understand that D365, like many modern systems, evolves over time to meet user needs—an idea that required time to sink in. "It was crucial to show everyone that this system wasn't just a one-time change but something that would continue to develop and adapt to their needs," Pauline noted. The team, including bookkeepers Salome Rasebotsa and Epson Tivani Mabasa, worked tirelessly to provide support, build trust, and align expectations.

As custodians of the petty cash system, Pauline and Siya played essential roles in the project's success. They set up structured training schedules, worked with administrators to ensure everyone received hands-on guidance, and maintained clear communication throughout. “We made sure no one felt left behind,” Siya said. “This was a team effort, and we wanted everyone to feel like they had a part in making it work.” Their efforts didn’t stop there; they monitored progress closely and collaborated with Altron Digital Business to achieve the project deliverables, making sure no one was left behind.

Now, the team is proud of what they’ve accomplished. Capturing expenses has become simple and streamlined, without the need for multiple steps. “Before, submitting claims was tedious, with three steps just to get it through the system,” Siya shared. “Now, everything’s much more straightforward, and the system even calculates balances automatically.” Pauline echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’ve taken out so many pain points. Seeing how much easier it is now makes all the work we put in worthwhile.”

The new system has also improved expense approval processes, particularly for amounts over R500, which now require only a single approval instead of multiple steps. “It’s a real time-saver, and it’s easier for everyone involved,” Pauline added. The moment of clarity came when custodians successfully captured their expenses on D365, and the first reconciliation was generated without a hitch. "Seeing that first reconciliation paid seamlessly was a proud moment for all of us," Pauline said, recalling the team’s excitement. "It felt like we had truly achieved something meaningful."

With D365 live, the team isn’t stopping at implementation. They’re now focused on continuous improvement, identifying potential gaps, and setting “smart goals” to maximise the system's potential. They’re also creating a proactive culture to encourage flexibility and accountability, ensuring D365 continues to meet Aurum’s evolving needs. "This isn’t just about making processes faster; it’s about building a foundation for the future," Siya said in closing. "We’re excited to keep learning and growing with D365 to support Aurum’s mission."

Congratulations to Pauline, Siya, and the entire finance team for their hard work and determination in successfully transitioning to Dynamics 365! Your commitment to teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving has not only improved processes but has also set a benchmark for future projects at Aurum. Your efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptability. Well done on this incredible achievement—your dedication is truly inspiring!

Aurum's Community Engagement Manager joins Global TB Advisory Board

2024-09-04T15:25:31+02:00

The Aurum Institute is proud to announce that Blossom Makhubalo, our Community Engagement Manager, has been appointed as one of the newest members of the Global Tuberculosis Community Advisory Board (TB CAB). Blossom joins the TB CAB, an international network of advocates committed to advancing the interests of communities affected by TB, in her personal capacity. The announcement coincides with the launch of the new TB CAB website, a platform dedicated to highlighting the group's work and the critical role of community involvement in TB research and advocacy.

Blossom Makhubalo's appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to ending TB globally and her advocacy for a people-centred, rights-based approach. Her extensive experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by TB will be invaluable to the TB CAB's mission.

“As a social worker, I have always found myself working with people and communities who are disproportionately impacted by TB," said Blossom Makhubalo. "TB is a social disease, and we cannot only treat it medically while ignoring its social dimensions. The inequities and structural barriers in these communities have driven my passion for advocating a holistic approach when working with communities affected by TB. I firmly believe that programmes, interventions, and trials should be designed with people, not just for them."

She further explained, “I hope to leverage my background in social work and my experience as a community engagement manager in the clinical trial space to ensure that the social determinants associated with high TB burden settings are addressed. It’s vital to recognise that it is not the individuals who are a burden but rather the settings and circumstances that place them at risk."

Aurum celebrates Blossom's appointment and her commitment to fostering meaningful community involvement in TB research and policy. Her advocacy aligns perfectly with our goal to drive forward a more equitable and comprehensive approach to ending TB worldwide.

For more information, visit www.globaltbcab.org.

Meet the newest members of the Global TB Community Advisory Board (TB CAB), a cadre of scientifically literate advocates who represent the voice of TB-affected communities at every step of the TB R&D process. Visit the TB CAB's new website to learn more: https://t.co/3PkDVYummy pic.twitter.com/6pRRaHx05j
— Treatment Action Group (TAG) (@TAGTeam_Tweets) September 4, 2024

Can digital adherence technologies help with adherence to HIV medicines?

2023-05-24T10:00:35+02:00

Ascent South Africa launches in Cape Town

2021-10-26T11:20:50+02:00

The Adherence Support Coalition to End TB (ASCENT) project is collaborating with City Health, and TB HIV Care funded by the Global Fund to implement Digital Adherence Technologies (DATs), to support tuberculosis (TB) patients to successfully complete their treatment in the Western Cape. 60 participants have been enrolled within the first 2 months of the project in Cape Town.

The ASCENT project, implemented by The Aurum Institute in South Africa, aims to help TB patients to successfully complete their course of treatment, using DATs linked to a central web-based platform (Everwell).

The Cape Town launch was held at the Phumlani Clinic in Mitchells Plain on 23 September 2021 and was attended by delegates from the City of Cape Town’s Health Department, The Aurum Institute, TB HIV Care, beneficiaries, and community members. Dr Zahid Badroodien, a Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health gave the keynote address, outlining the efforts the city has invested in the fight to end TB. He highlighted the potential of the EvriMED pill boxes to improve TB treatment outcomes and the ultimately eliminate the disease.

Two patients gave testimonials of how the pill box has improved their adherence and how they felt more supported by healthcare system. “Having this box is like having a healthcare worker in my house, I can never go wrong now”, said a patient from Weltevreden Clinic. The City Health’s TB Programme Manager Judy Taylor invested a lot of time and effort in getting the project off the ground which is appreciated by the ASCENT South Africa team.

Implementation visits

ASCENT Programme Manager Nontobeko Ndlovu, Junior Project Manager Tanyaradzwa Dube and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Jeff Weisser visited the 16 clinics who have begun implementing the project, to conduct quality monitoring and provide technical support.

Healthcare workers in the “mother city”, as Cape Town is known, embraced the pill boxes and incorporated monitoring patients on the Everwell platform into their daily routines. “TB nurses really appreciated the implementation guidance and support from The Aurum Institute, and the psychosocial support being provided by the social workers from TB HIV Care,” said Ndlovu.

The Unitaid funded and supported ASCENT project in South Africa is led by KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation together with The Aurum Institute and in partnership with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and PATH.

Source: https://www.digitaladherence.org/ascent-south-africa-launches-in-cape-town/

A Fundação Aurum entra em parceria com o Governo de Moçambique para acabar com a TB

2021-06-04T11:06:23+02:00

O Governo de Moçambique demonstrou o seu compromisso para acabar com a TB, com o Primeiro Ministro Carlos Agostinho do Rosário presidindo recentemente o lançamento de uma nova terapia de prevenção da TB (TPT).

A Fundação Aurum, afiliada em Moçambique de The Aurum Institute, está introduzindo um tratamento de curta duração para TPT, chamado 3HP, como parte do projecto IMPAACT4TB. O tratamento previne que pessoas com TB latent desenvolvam a forma activa da doença tuberculosa. IMPAACT4TB, liderado pela Aurum, é implementado simultaneamente em 12 países com alta carga de TB. Em Moçambique, Gana e África do Sul, Aurum implementa o projecto directamente.

Acesso

Em declarações no lançamento, o dr. Emilio José Valverde, Director Nacional da Fundação Aurum sublinhou que o 3HP facilitará o acesso ao tratamento preventivo da TB necessário para pessoas vivendo com HIV e crianças que estejam em contacto com casos de TB nos seus lares.

No lançamento, celebrado no Conselho Municipal da Cidade de Maputo, estiveram também presentes o Ministro da Saúde, dr. Armindo Tiago, o Presidente do Conselho Municipal da Cidade de Maputo Eneas Comiche, o Director do Programa Nacional de Controlo da Tuberculose (PNCT) dr. Ivan Manhiça, e outros oficiais do governo, bem como representantes de diferentes parceiros de saúde nacionais e internacionais.

Parceiro relevante

“O lançamento do 3HP é a confirmação da Fundação Aurum como um parceiro relevante no sector da saúde em Moçambique, particularmente nas áreas de TB e HIV,” disse Valverde.

O primeiro paciente que recebe 3HP iniciou tratamento durante a cerimónia de lançamento. Poucos dias mais tarde, a administração de 3HP começou em diferentes Unidades Sanitárias, dentre elas o Centro de Saúde do Zimpeto em Maputo, onde a paciente Naima Júlio começou o seu tratamento com 3HP. Desde então, mais de 600 pacientes começaram já tratamento em várias Unidades Sanitárias.

“Temos grandes expectativas com a introdução do 3HP, e esperamos conseguir financiamento para outros projectos, visando a consolidação da Fundação Aurum no sector da pesquisa operacional em saúde em Moçambique,” disse Valverde.

Assista: Projecto IMPAACT4TB para a introdução de 3HP

2021-03-29T10:57:31+02:00

Temos sofrido com a Tuberculose (TB) durante demasiado tempo, precissamos de mudar o nosso foco limitado ao tratamento para acabar com a TB. Apesar da TB ser uma doença tratável e curável, milhões de pessoas continua a morrer cada ano por causa desta doença. É altura de rever como estamos lidando com esta doença, e adoptar uma abordagem abrangente para a prevenção, a detecção e o tratamento.

Aqueles que vivem com pacientes com TB têm um risco de progressão de TB latent para TB activa 25 vezes mais alto do que a população geral. E as crianças até cinco anos de idade têm o maior risco de progressão da infecção por TB à doença activa.

O tratamento para a infecção latente por TB está disponível desde os anos 60 do século passado, mas são poucas pessoas que o tomam dentre aquelas elegíveis para o receber. As opções actuais de tratamento são de longa duração—as pessoas precisam tomar um comprimido diário entre 6 e 36 meses. Ainda entre aqueles que começam o tratamento, muito não o conseguem completar.

Esta é a razão pela que o projecto IMPAACT4TB liderado por The Aurum Institute está introduzindo uma nova maneira de lidar com a infecção latente por Tuberculose (TB)—a sementeira da TB—para reduzir e finalmente interromper o fluxo de novos casos de TB que ocorre cada ano. Conseguimos isto através da identificação e a administração de novas opções de tratamento de curta duração para a infecção latente por TB.

Aurum é o implementador directo em Gana, Moçambique e África do Sul, e através do consórcio IMPAACT4TB implementará estratégias inovadoras para administrar 3HP a grupos populacionais de alto risco nos 12 países do projecto. As lições apreendidas durante a implementação serão utilizadas para apoiar a expansão global e contribuir a atingir os objectivos globais da estratégia End TB.

Estes países são todos contextos com alta carga e com distintos desafios na administração, e representam os diferentes tipos da epidemia da TB, onde a infecção latente por TB desempenha um papel único na sustentação da epidemia.

Ascent South Africa launches at randomization event

2021-01-28T11:18:42+02:00

The ASCENT South Africa team recently held a successful randomization event which also served as the kick-off of the digital adherence technologies (DAT) project in South Africa. The ASCENT project, implemented by The Aurum Institute in South Africa, aims to help tuberculosis (TB) patients to successfully complete their course of treatment, using DATs and data-driven support interventions, utilizing tools as smart pill boxes.

The randomization event was attended by Dr Jens Levy, Senior Epidemiologist at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and Professor Katherine Fielding, Senior Statistician at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). They joined other delegates from the Department of Health (DoH) representatives from Gauteng Province, Tshwane District DoH staff, health facility managers, TB nurses and supportive staff from 36 clinics selected to take part in the project.

ASCENT South Africa project manager Nontobeko Ndlovu said the project was well received by the stakeholders who also took the opportunity to raise the struggles they experience in the Tshwane district with loss to follow up of their TB patients. This, they reported, worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “They appreciate and welcome these technologies that will contribute to resolving some of the district’s major challenges,” Ndlovu said.

About the DATs

Technologies included in the project are; a medication sleeve, where the patient receives their TB medication in customized packaging; a smart pill box, where the patient is provided with a specially designed box to store their TB medication; and lastly video supported treatment, where the patient records a video message using a customized app on their phone.

The randomization ceremony

Professor Fielding managed the randomization – a method of assigning health facilities to receive the intervention by chance alone- session with a presentation on the ASCENT trial design which is a pragmatic cluster randomized trial and the rationale for randomization.

Professor Salome Charalambous, Aurum’s Deputy Chief Scientific Officer, led the randomization process. A total of 36 selected facilities were assigned to either the intervention group or the standard of care group. Eighteen facilities were assigned to the intervention group and the remaining eighteen facilities were assigned to the standard of care. Afterwards was determined which of the facilities in the intervention groups would receive the medication box and which ones would get the medication sleeve.

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation is implementing ASCENT together with The Aurum Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and PATH.

Source: https://www.digitaladherence.org/ascent-south-africa-launches-at-randomization-event/

Empowering youth in South Africa through the Ascent project

2021-01-21T11:15:17+02:00

The ASCENT team in South Africa has completed a training for the first group of interns that will take over research specific duties from the staff of healthcare facilities. This way the healthcare workers can focus on their patients.

Nontobeko Ndlovu, ASCENT project manager in South Africa, said they are expecting to bring in more young people as part of the research team. They will focus on administrative and other research tasks and offer daily project support to the healthcare facility’s staff. The ASCENT project aims to help Tuberculosis (TB) patients to complete their treatment successfully through Digital Adherence Technology (DAT). By generating evidence, establishing a global market and engaging stakeholders, ASCENT ultimately makes a future scale up possible, so that these digital innovations can be available to more and more people effected by TB. The ASCENT project in South Africa is implemented by The Aurum Institute.

The interns

The interns, who are young people participating in Aurum’s youth empowerment program, Youth Health Africa, were trained on protocol including project delivery, differentiated pathways and adherence counseling, as well as how to use the Everwell platform. During the intensive training, they learned how to use, handle and store DATs and how to insert SOPs and Logs. The interns were challenged to implement what they had learned practically, by doing a role-playing exercise on administering informed consent. They were also trained on good clinical practice, which is a regulatory requirement for staff involved in human research activities.

The interns will be placed at healthcare facilities taking part in the project in Pretoria and Cape Town.

The informed consent training will also be added to the tablets which the healthcare facility staff will be using to capture data, as a quick and easily available reference should they need to take a patient through the process.

KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation is implementing ASCENT together with The Aurum Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and PATH.

Source: https://www.digitaladherence.org/empowering-youth-in-south-africa-through-the-ascent-project/