The aim of the study, led by African-led PrEPVacc, is to evaluate the level of protection against the virus that new drugs can guarantee to people most at risk of infection
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Testing of two new combined vaccines against theHiv. The aim of the study, led by African-led PrEPVacc, is to assess the level of protection against the virus that new drugs can guarantee to people most at risk of infection. This is an important development in the fight against AIDS, especially in a period in which the Covid-19 emergency threatens to cause the death of another 500,000 HIV-positive people due to lack of access to care.
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The start of the test phase
deepening
AIDS, 136 thousand new cases were diagnosed in Europe in 2019
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The test on the two combined vaccines began in the last few days in Masaka, Uganda. It will soon be extended to Tanzania, Mozambique and Sudan and will involve a total of 1,600 people over the next three years. As per the health protocol, participants will take a new form of pre-vaccine oral prophylaxis, known as PrEP, which is expected to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccine. The combination of the two drugs has already been used with good results in other clinical trials carried out not only in Africa, but also in Europe and the United States. The entire study is funded by the Clinical Trials Partnership of developed and European countries, with the support of the European Union.
The opportunities offered by research
Speaking with Guardian, Pontiano Kaeebu, the research director, explained that PrEPVacc offers two great opportunities. “On the one hand, it allows Africans to participate and conduct the first HIV prevention trial, testing two ways to protect themselves. On the other hand, to increase the capacity of African sites to do future tests and to promote our future leaders.” “In the event that the vaccine prevents HIV infection, we will be very under-satisfied. If not, we will still have learned something that will allow us to improve and have better vaccines,” added Kaleebu.
The numbers of AIDS in Africa
Over 35 scientists, doctors, community liaison officers and support staff at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are participating in the trial in Uganda. As confirmed by the Uganda Aids Commission, the HIV epidemic is still one of the main threats to national public health in the African state. About 1.5 million people live with the virus: this is an increase compared to 2010 (1.2 million). 53,000 new infections and 21,000 AIDS-related deaths occur every year in Uganda. In eastern and southern Africa it is estimated that 20.7 million people are living with HIV. In 2019, the region saw 730,000 new infections and 300,000 deaths related toAids, according to UNAids data. At least 15 million people are being treated.
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