Deputy Minister Dr Molefi Sefularo welcomes the development of the two HIV vaccines SAAVI MVA-C and SAAVI DNA-C2 for clinical testing in South Africa and abroad. The testing of this landmark study has begun at Crossroads, Cape Town, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto and in Boston United Sates of America (USA).
The Deputy Minister said, “As it well known more than 5 million South Africans are HIV positive and to date we have initiated more than 780 000 patients on Antiretroviral (ARVs). This means that we have just 50 percent of patients who should be on treatment by 2011. The burden to the state is very high. A vaccine that prevents new infections is something therefore that is vital to the well-being of our people and our country. I therefore cannot overstate the importance of vaccine development to the South Africa populace.”
The South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI), which is a lead programme of the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and is supported by the South African government, announced this week the start of the phase one safety trial, called SAAVI 102/ HVTN 073, in South Africa. The Deputy Minister attended the ceremony, which was held in Cape Town on Monday.
The development of these vaccines is the culmination of eight years of research and development which has involved scientists across South Africa and globally.
Issued by: Department of Health
22 July 2009
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za/)
