A network of HIV vaccine trials has been proposed for Africa. The initiative aims to shorten the time taken to develop a vaccine by testing possible antedotes in parallel, while providing training and support to African scientists. Vaccine testing is due to start in Uganda next month, and separate trials are expected to begin this year at Oxford University with the participation of Kenyan scientists. Phase II field trials could be undertaken in Kenya by the year 2000, subject to government approval. A UNAIDS official told IRIN that discussions are also underway with the authorities in South Africa, Zambia and Ethiopia for vaccine testing. “We cannot afford to waste time,” the UNAIDS official said. “We would like to see different types of vaccines tested,” to take into account the various strains of the virus.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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