Oxford University has rolled out Africa’s first human trials for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus in South Africa as cases continue to rise and concerns grow over potential access to life-saving treatments.
The trial, conducted with local partner University of the Witwatersrand, will consist of 2,000 volunteers from 18 to 65 years of age, including some HIV positive patients who will be monitored for 12 months after vaccination to assess how well the vaccine guards against COVID-19.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Human Research Ethics Committee approved the study.
Madhi noted: “This is a landmark moment for South Africa and Africa at this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. As we enter winter in South Africa and pressure increases on public hospitals, now more than ever we need a vaccine to prevent infection by COVID-19.”
Screening of participants for the South African Oxford COVID-19 vaccine study commenced last week and the first participants are set to be vaccinated this week.
South Africa has the highest rate of infections in Africa, with more than 100,000 cases and more than 2,000 deaths.