South Africa Launches Clinical Trials for Domestically Manufactured Cholera Vaccine

Researchers and scientists in South Africa have initiated clinical trials for the country’s first domestically manufactured vaccine in over 50 years. The oral cholera vaccine, developed by Cape Town-based pharmaceutical firm Biovac, is currently undergoing trials to determine its safety in adults. Further trials will compare its efficacy to existing cholera vaccines on the market.

The South African government has hailed the clinical trials as a significant milestone in Africa’s ability to produce vaccines independently. Typically, vaccines manufactured in South Africa rely on active pharmaceutical ingredients imported from abroad. The successful development of this vaccine could enable the country to support global distribution and help combat outbreaks worldwide.

According to Professor Glenda Gray, chief scientific officer at the South African Medical Research Council, “If our vaccine works, we’ll be the second producer of the oral cholera vaccine at a global level, and we can help support global distribution and help support places where there are outbreaks.” The vaccine could be approved and ready for use in Africa by 2028, depending on the trial results, said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.

Cholera outbreaks are a recurring issue in South Africa, often caused by cross-border movements and lack of clean water in communities. The country experienced a cholera outbreak in 2023, resulting in 47 deaths and over 1,400 reported cases. Neighboring countries, such as Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, have reported even higher cases and deaths.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 4 million people worldwide are affected by cholera annually, with between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths. The development of a domestically manufactured vaccine could significantly enhance Africa’s self-reliance in vaccine production and strengthen its capacity to respond to potential outbreaks.

One of the participants in the clinical trial, Shadrack Makutu, a 37-year-old resident from Limpopo province, emphasized the potential benefits of the vaccine, saying, “Being part of this study group is not going to benefit me only, it’s going to benefit each and everyone around the African continent.” The successful development and distribution of this vaccine could have a substantial impact on public health in Africa and beyond.