Full Project Name: Developing an Integrated Model of Delivery for Novel TB Vaccines in South Africa
Project Acronym (if applicable): IMD-TBV
Project Duration (Start – End Date): July 2025 – Estimated 24 months
Project Status (Ongoing / Completed / Upcoming): Data analysis stage
2. Project Overview
This project aimed to develop an integrated model for delivering novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines to adolescents and adults in South Africa. While the existing BCG vaccine is effective in children, it does not provide sufficient protection for older populations, creating an urgent need for new vaccines and effective delivery strategies.
The study was implemented across multiple provinces in South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, and North West, leveraging established research platforms and Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS), including USINGA.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the project combined stakeholder engagement, community dialogues, participatory workshops, and quantitative preference studies to co-develop feasible vaccine delivery models. It also included piloting selected delivery strategies within existing health programmes.
The project addressed both health system and community-level barriers to vaccine uptake, including vaccine hesitancy, accessibility, and service integration. Its findings will inform national policy and support preparedness for the rollout of new TB vaccines.
3. Background and Rationale
Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in South Africa, with high incidence and mortality rates. Current vaccination strategies are limited to infants, leaving adolescents and adults largely unprotected.
This project explored how novel TB vaccines can be effectively delivered to older populations. It is built on HDSS platforms such as USINGA and aligns with national and global TB control priorities.
4. Objectives
Overall Aim: To co-develop a preferred integrated model of delivery and determine optimal strategies to enhance uptake of a novel TB vaccine in South Africa.
Specific Objectives:
1. To map key stakeholders who will potentially be engaged in implementation of novel TB vaccines in South Africa.
2. To co-develop preferred delivery models for novel TB vaccines with key stakeholders
3. To quantify users and providers’ preferences for different options of proposed delivery models for novel TB vaccines
4. To pilot the most feasible approach for vaccine delivery within an existing programme.
5. To establish the degree and nature of potential diversity in attitudes towards TB disease and novel TB vaccines
6. To provide an initial landscaping of TB vaccine confidence in South Africa at the community level
7. To recommend strategies to enhance uptake of novel TB vaccines with key stakeholders
5. Study Setting and Population
Geographic Area: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, North West)
Target Population: Adolescents, adults, healthcare providers, community members, policymakers
Is the project nested within the HDSS cohort? (Yes/No – Explain) Yes
Estimated Sample Size (if applicable): ~750 (plus qualitative components)
6. Methodology
Study Design (e.g., cohort, trial, qualitative, mixed methods) Mixed-methods cross-sectional study
Data Collection Methods (e.g., surveys, GIS, interviews, biomarkers) Literature review, workshops, community dialogues, interviews, surveys
Data Collection Tools (e.g., tablets, REDCap, digital systems) REDCap, tablets, structured guides
Follow-up Frequency (if longitudinal) Not longitudinal
7. Partnerships and Collaborators
- Academic Partners- AHRI, HSRC, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Aurum Institute, GRT-Inspired HDSS
- Implementing Partners –
- Government Departments- National & Provincial Departments of Health
- Community Structures (e.g., CAB): CAB
8. Community Engagement
Describe how the community is involved in the project, including:
The project used a participatory approach to ensure vaccine strategies are relevant and acceptable to communities. Engagement was conducted through Community Advisory Boards (CABs), which provided insights on community perspectives and potential barriers. Community dialogues were held across sites to gather input and encourage open discussion on TB and vaccination.
Feedback sessions were used to share findings and build trust, ensuring communities remain informed and involved. The project also leveraged HDSS platforms such as USINGA to support local participation, data collection, and community ownership, while creating opportunities for local capacity building.
9. Ethical Approval
Consent Procedures– Written informed consent
Confidentiality and Data Protection Measures– Each participant was assigned a unique participant identification number (PID) to maintain confidentiality. All audio recordings and completed assessment questionnaires were captured and securely stored in password protected online database (Redcap). Only authorized study personnel have access to the online database to ensure confidentiality.
10. Outputs and Impact
A mapping matrix, mind maps and flowcharts to demonstrate influence interest, networks and connections between stakeholders on novel TB vaccines. The most optimal delivery model(s) for novel TB vaccines in South Africa. This will be communicated to appropriate stakeholders including appropriate national department of health committees as part of national novel TB vaccines roll-out preparedness Recommendations for strategies for efficient vaccine delivery processes.
Data on community perspectives of TB disease and of a TB vaccine and including strategies to enhance uptake of the vaccines. Recommendations for a TB vaccine preparedness plan developed collaboratively with stakeholders This preparatory work would provide an initial landscaping of TB vaccine confidence in South Africa at the community level, providing vital evidence on the social dynamics of vaccine confidence.
11. Data Access (if applicable)
12. Project Team (Please provide head shots as well)
Principal Investigator– Dr Nompumelelo Nzimande
Co-Investigators-
Project Manager-
Field Coordinator-
Key Staff-
13. Contact Information
Project Email:
Social media platforms:
Physical Address:
Website link (if applicable):
14. Visual Content (Optional for Website Use)