TIMBER Study
This innovative project is aimed at enhancing the utilization of mathematical modelling to generate evidence-based vaccine policy recommendations for the introduction of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines in Africa.
The TIMBER Study
Led by the Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA)
Launch: August 2025 Duration: 36 Months Focus: TB Vaccine Policy
Study Overview
The TIMBER Study is an innovative research project aimed at enhancing the utilization of mathematical modelling to generate evidence-based vaccine policy recommendations for the introduction of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines in Africa.
!
Core Goal To strengthen data-driven decision-making for TB vaccine adoption and implementation, ensuring smoother and more timeous introduction of novel vaccines.
Working in close collaboration with National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) in Kenya, South Africa, and The Gambia, the study aims to generate findings that impact these regions and can be extrapolated beyond TB vaccines.
Webinars & Resources
Mathematical Modelling for New TB Vaccine Decision Making in Africa
Presentation Resources
Event Program
| Time | Presentation | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Welcome | Benjamin Kagina, NISH, UCT |
| 20 minutes | TB vaccines in Africa: Progress, promise, and pathways to significant public health impact | Alexander Schmidt, Gates Foundation |
| 10 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Prof Fred Were, KENITAG |
| 20 minutes | Modelling to support new TB vaccines and immunisation decisions | Mmamapudi Kubjane, HE2RO, WITS Health Consortium |
| 10 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Waasila Jassat, NAGI |
| 10 minutes | TIMBER study – Focus on SA NITAG | Waasila Jassat, NAGI |
| 10 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Sheetal Silal, MASHA, UCT |
| 10 minutes | Modelling and Simulation Hub Africa (MASHA) Online Tool | Sheetal Silal, MASHA, UCT |
| 10 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Edina Amponsah-Dacosta, NISH, UCT |
| 10 minutes | Online survey on modelling needs/support | Petronella Ncube, NISH, UCT |
| 5 minutes | Closure and next webinar | Anthony Hawkridge, NISH, UCT |
Preparing for New TB Vaccines Introduction in Africa
Presentation Resources
Event Program
| Time | Presentation | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Welcome and introduction to TIMBER study | Benjamin Kagina, NISH, UCT |
| 15 minutes | WHO Guidance for using modelling for immunization decision-making | So Yoon Sim (WHO) |
| 15 minutes | Malaysia’s experience in applying WHO guidelines | Wan Abdul Hannan (MoH, Malaysia) |
| 5 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Sheetal Silal, MASHA, UCT |
| 15 minutes | Kenya’s perspective on preparing for TB vaccines | Fred Were, KENITAG |
| 5 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Anthony Hawkridge, NISH, UCT |
| 15 minutes | Vaccine confidence in adolescents and young adults | Charles Shey Wiysonge, Africa-CDC |
| 5 minutes | Q & A | Moderator: Elizabeth Oduwole, NISH, UCT |
| 5 minutes | Online survey on modelling needs/support | Petronella Ncube, NISH, UCT |
| 5 minutes | Closure and next webinar | Edina Amponsah-Dacosta, NISH, UCT |
Research Team: Headed by Assoc. Prof Benjamin Kagina, with co-investigators Prof Muloiwa, Prof Hussey, Dr Hawkridge, and Dr Amponsah Dacosta.
Funded by: Wellcome Trust
