South Africa: HIV Vaccine Trials a Breakthrough in Ending the HIV/Aids Epidemic

3 February 2026
Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)
press release By Michele Clarke MP - DA Spokesperson On Health

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is thrilled by the news of vaccine trials for HIV. While in an early trial phase, this shows South Africa's brilliant medical research capabilities. This is a moment of hope.

Our country has a deeply traumatic history with HIV/AIDS, which we have responded to with the biggest ART/ARV treatment system in the world. South Africa currently has around 8.15 million people living with HIV, and about 6.3 million of whom are on treatment, making South Africa the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic. About 1.3 million people also participate in PREP programmes, which assist in preventing contraction of HIV.

If successful, this vaccine has the potential to relieve major strain on the Department of Health in preventing HIV/AIDS. A successful trial would be momentous to South Africa, laying important groundwork for HIV vaccine development, research and capacity on the continent.

We wish the SA Medical Research Council, the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, and the Wits Health Consortium (BRILLIANT CONSORTIUM) well in this first-ever human HIV vaccine trial, which is designed and will be run by African scientists.

Read the original article on DA.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Democratic Alliance. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.