South Africa Begins Human Trials of Its First Locally Developed Vaccine in 50 Years, Says Institute
South Africa Begins Human Trials of Its First Locally Developed Vaccine in 50 Years, Says Institute
The launch of clinical trials for the oral cholera vaccine marks a significant milestone in Africa's pursuit of vaccine self-sufficiency, according to the partially state-owned Biovac Institute.
If the trials are successful, the vaccine is expected to be available for sale by 2028, helping to address critical global shortages amid recurring cholera outbreaks, the institute said.
Despite the fact that Africa is currently experiencing one of the largest ongoing cholera outbreaks, less than 1% of the world's vaccines are produced on the continent, which bears the heaviest burden of infectious diseases, according to the WHO.
"This development addresses a critical life-saving need given the ongoing global shortages of the vaccine amid recurring cholera outbreaks," Biovac Chief Executive Officer Morena Makhoana told reporters.
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