Wits Covid-19 vaccine trial to begin Wednesday

University of the Witwatersrand announced on Tuesday, 23 June that it was set to begin the first clinical trial in South Africa for a Covid-19 vaccine.

“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,” said Madhi at the launch of the vaccine trial. Madhi also confirmed that SAMRC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were behind the funding of the trial.

Speaking on the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases with the gradual lifting of the lockdown, Madhi said the infection wave would last over into 2021 and possibly 2022. Director-general at the national department of health, Dr Sandile Buthelezi said the department fully supported the launch of the trials.

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