Human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University are beginning in South Africa and in Brazil.
Some 2,000 people in South Africa will be involved in what is widely considered to be one of the earliest and most advanced trials for a vaccine to tackle the pandemic.
The first doses of the vaccine are being administered in Johannesburg this week.
South Africa has been chosen, not just for its expertise in this field, but because Covid-19 is now spreading fast here.
That makes it far easier for scientists to find a community at immediate risk of infection, and to then tell whether this British vaccine is effective.
Similar tests are already underway in the UK, but the infection rate there is slowing. Hence the move, not just to South Africa, but to Brazil too, where 5,000 people will be involved in the vaccine trial.Article share tools
Latest Stories
-
‘Daughter of a murderer’ comment: Majority pushes for NPP backbenchers to face Privileges Committee
18 minutes -
Buoho residents want quarry activities streamlined to ease exposure to risk
20 minutes -
Unemployed teachers call for employment to address staff shortage
24 minutes -
Suspended Chief Justice has right to choose trial venue – Ansa-Asare
32 minutes -
Big Chef Junior S4: Kitchen heats up as contestants take on Indomie challenge
48 minutes -
Wontumi picked up by EOCO on his way from CID interrogation
57 minutes -
Photos: Mahama attends AfDB annual meetings in Côte d’Ivoire
1 hour -
‘Haul the Finance Minister’ – Minority Chief Whip fumes over unpaid state funds
1 hour -
CJ removal saga: Let’s end ‘this whole controversy’ – Dr. Ansa-Asare
1 hour -
Top 20 finalists announced for 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit & Challenge
1 hour -
Christ the King youth lead blood donation campaign
1 hour -
E Vibes to host Nkyinkyim on musical band series
1 hour -
Importers and Exporters Association urges Ghana Gold Board to sustain efforts in strengthening the cedi
1 hour -
Trump administration moves to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard
1 hour -
KMA cracks down on drivers failing to reduce transport fares
2 hours