South Africa Initiates Homegrown Oral Cholera Vaccine Trial
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, speaking at Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, emphasized that the trial signifies a significant advancement in restoring South Africa’s ability to design and produce vaccines for both domestic and international 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 stated.
The Oral Cholera Vaccine, referred to as OCV-S, is undergoing evaluation by the local biopharmaceutical firm Biovac in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
This marks the first vaccine developed within South Africa to reach this stage of clinical 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, described the project as “a vital step in strengthening our ability to respond to infectious diseases.”
If the clinical trials succeed, the vaccine could gain approval for use across Africa by 2028, with broader distribution anticipated internationally shortly thereafter, according to a news agency.
Cholera is a waterborne bacterial disease that leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration and can be fatal if untreated. While it is not endemic to South Africa, occasional outbreaks do occur, frequently linked to cross-border transmission.
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