Kenya, Uganda to host TB clinical trials

The facilities at the Siaya District Hospital are currently being upgraded in readiness for the trials. Uganda is also upgrading its facilities.

Dr Nduba said that a new clinical field site facility and case verification ward have been established at the Siaya District Hospital while a TB diagnosis laboratory is also being renovated.

A quality management system and data capture mechanism are also being put in place.

In addition, health workers are being trained on the handling of the trials according to principles of good clinical practice, while local communities are being sensitised on the disease presentation, detection, vaccination and management.

If successfully developed, the tuberculosis vaccine could have a lasting impact on the health situation globally.

“It could reduce TB infections in Africa and Asia by 20 per cent in the first 10 years and by up to 40 per cent by 2050,” Dr Moyo said.