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Edgar Makona [ Profil ] |
| Sujet: |
Hope rekindled as scientists announce possible Aids vaccine
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| Envoyé: |
Sep 25th, 2009 - 12:45:48 |
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By Elizabeth Mwai and Maore Ithula
Scientists have announced a breakthrough in the search for an Aids vaccine
after decades of trials.
The vaccine attempt by the US army and Thai Government, which Kenya has
hailed as a first of its kind, has successfully reduced the risk of HIV
transmission by 31 per cent.
The Kenya Aids Vaccine Initiative director Omu Anzala yesterday said this
achievement had not been attained, and now gives scientists a benchmark
against which to advance their research.
"This is what we have been working on. This is proof enough that yes, we
can," said Anzala.
In an interview with The Standard Anzala said at the success rate of 31 per
cent, the next step is for scientists to design the next generations of
vaccines that are more effective.
First injection
The seven-year-old landmark study on HIV-negative volunteers tested a
two-vaccine combination in a "prime boost approach" where the first
injection primes the immune systems to attack HIV and the second strengthens
the response.
The vaccine is a combination of two earlier experimental vaccines that never
worked.
These vaccines are Alvac from Sanofi Pasteur, and Aidsvax, originally
developed by VaxGen Inc and now held by Glibal Solutions for Infectious
Diseases, a non-profit organisation founded by some former VaxGen employees.
According to a report published by the BBC and The Daily Telegraph Online,
the vaccine was given to 16,000 people in Thailand. Samples were drawn from
men and women of between ages 18 and 30, who are classified as the most
sexually active group.
Researchers found that it reduced the risk of contracting HIV by about a
third. Half of the volunteers were given the vaccine, while the other half
were given a placebo and all were counseled on HIV/Aids prevention.
The results found that the chances of contracting HIV were 31.2 per cent
less for those who had taken the vaccine.
It is also the first time in human trials that a vaccine has stopped the
virus, which infects 7,500 worldwide every day.
The National Aids and STD Control Programme Director Nicholas Muraguri said
this breakthrough could help avert the rate at which new infections were
occurring.
According to scientific evidence, a vaccine that is 50 per cent efficacious
given to 30 per cent of a population would help cut the rate of new
infection by 25 per cent.
"In Kenya, we have tried the use of Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms (ABC)
campaign and male circumcision, but the spread of the virus continues, hence
a vaccine would be very important," said Dr Muraguri.
In addition he said the findings though modest would help accelerate the
search for a stronger vaccine.
First evidence
Colonel Jerome Kim, who helped lead the study for the US Army said: "It is
the first evidence that we could have a safe and effective preventive
vaccine."
The Thailand Ministry of Public Health conducted the study, which used
strains of HIV common in Thailand. Scientists stressed it is not clear
whether the vaccine would work against other strains in the United States,
Africa or elsewhere.
The Director of Public Health Shahnaaz Sharif said although a 31 per cent
success rate is remarkable the country would adopt such a vaccine if it
passes the 65 per cent-mark.
But Sharif says before such a vaccine is introduced the ministry would have
to consult the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease
Control, among other professional research institutions.
But he is critical of Kenyans who do not take their children for
vaccination, as demonstrated by the levels of immunisation coverage.
"Look at the measles scenario: We have advertised so much about the danger
but parents are not bringing their children to be immunised," said Sharif.
The International Aids Vaccine Initiative President and CEO Seth Berkley,
told The Standard they were excited at the announcement of the breakthrough.
--
Edgar Dearn Makona
East Africa Regional Focal Point
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS
Starwood Apartments, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya
P. O. Box 14907 | Tel: +254 733 465396 | +254 20 2433573
edgar (at) youthaidscoalition.org
www.iAIDS.org | www.youthaidscoalition.org
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