South Africa Kicks Off First Trial of Homegrown Oral Cholera Vaccine
Speaking at Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi described the trial as a milestone in rebuilding South Africa’s capacity to produce vaccines for domestic 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 vaccine, named OCV-S, is being tested by local biopharmaceutical company Biovac in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). It is the first vaccine developed entirely in South Africa to reach this advanced 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.
Professor Glenda Gray, chief scientific officer at the SAMRC, called the initiative “a vital step in strengthening our ability to respond to infectious diseases.”
If successful, the vaccine could be approved for use across Africa by 2028, with broader global distribution expected shortly afterward, according to a news outlet.
Cholera, a waterborne bacterial infection, causes severe diarrhea and dehydration and can be fatal if untreated. While not endemic in South Africa, occasional outbreaks occur, often linked to cross-border transmission.
Neighboring Zimbabwe recently faced one of the region’s worst cholera outbreaks, reporting over 34,000 suspected cases and more than 700 deaths between February 2023 and June 2024. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa had recorded several dozen cholera cases as of January 20, 2024, including infections imported from Zimbabwe.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
