An HIV vaccine is the ultimate goal on which research groups are conducting intensive research. In April 2016, the HIV Vaccine Trails Network contacted Dr. Hugo Tempelman. The HIV Vaccine Trials Network is the world’s largest publicly funded, international network of researchers, clinics and laboratories working together towards the ultimate goal of finding a vaccine against HIV.
First vaccination at the Ndlovu Research Center
The second phase of the vaccine study – the human trial – started for the first time at the end of January at the new Ndlovu Research Center. As part of this study, Ndlovu is treating a total of 169 patients who will be injected with the vaccine over a period of three years. Between 7 and 15 people can be treated each month, as the procedure is highly complex. The preparation of the complicated vaccine alone takes 45 minutes each time. The preparation of the study participants is lengthy and extensive. They need to know exactly what will happen to them, what they will experience and what they have agreed to. A close relationship will develop between the participants and the Ndlovu employees over the long duration of the study. This should be based on trust, which is why the staff take a lot of time for the patients. Good humor and light-heartedness are among the team’s core competencies.
The Ndlovu Care Group is one of only two institutions in South Africa able to provide the conditions for this study. Worldwide, 26 research groups are participating in this study.
Read more at:
The vaccine is prepared and handed over to “Doc Roc” for use.
Dr. Robert Moraba gives the first patient her first injection – just one of many over the next three years.
After a time-consuming procedure, everyone is exhausted but relieved.
