SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHES AIDS VACCINE
Jul 21st, 2009 by admin
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South Africa has launched clinical trials of an AIDS vaccine created by its own researchers. The vaccine, created at the University of Cape Town, targets the specific HIV strain that has blighted South Africa. Trials are currently taking place in Boston, US, to ensure the safety of the vaccine. However officials at the launch in Cape Town expressed concerns about a government cut in AIDS research funding, treatment and prevention programmes owing to the global economic crisis. Critics say channeling funds toward prevention and education might be a better option. Around 5.2 million South Africans were living with HIV last year — the highest number of any country.
