The disease remains a significant cause of illness and death in the region, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, and Mozambique
South Africa has launched its first clinical trial of an oral cholera vaccine developed and manufactured entirely within the country, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, speaking at Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, said the trial marked a major step toward restoring South Africa’s capacity to design and produce vaccines for local and global use.
“For the first time in history, a vaccine ready for a pivotal clinical trial has been developed and produced from start to finish right here on South African soil,” Motsoaledi said.
The Oral Cholera Vaccine, known as OCV-S, is being tested by local biopharmaceutical company Biovac in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). It is the first vaccine developed in South Africa to reach this stage of testing.
“This vaccine represents more than science – it represents hope, resilience and Africa’s capacity to protect its own,” said Biovac Chief Executive Dr. Morena Makhoana.
Read more Africa will play a crucial role in the rising new worldProfessor Glenda Gray, chief scientific officer at the SAMRC, called the initiative “a vital step in strengthening our ability to respond to infectious diseases.”
If the trials prove successful, the vaccine could be approved for use in Africa by 2028, with a wider rollout expected globally soon after, according to SA News.
Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and can be fatal if untreated. While not endemic in South Africa, sporadic outbreaks occur, often linked to cross-border transmission.
Zimbabwe, which borders South Africa, has battled one of the region’s worst recent cholera outbreaks, with more than 34,000 suspected cases and over 700 deaths reported between February 2023 and June 2024.
READ MORE: WHO battles Ebola outbreak in African state
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa reported several dozen cholera cases as of January 20, 2024, including a number imported from Zimbabwe.
Hence then, the article about south africa tests first homegrown cholera vaccine was published today ( ) and is available on Russia Today ( News ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( South Africa tests first homegrown cholera vaccine )
Also on site :
- Five killed in helicopter crash on Africa’s highest mountain (VIDEO)
- transcosmos and V, Inc. launch metaverse creator services for VRChat via Geek Jack, transcosmos's cross-border e-commerce site for entertainment items
- The Christmas Day Storm