Biovac targets 2028 rollout for SA's first locally-made oral cholera vaccine

Pharmaceutical company Biovac estimates the rollout of the first oral cholera vaccine made in Africa could be as early as 2028.

Biovac and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) launched the cholera vaccine initiative, spearheaded by the National Health Department, on Tuesday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

If successful, this historic breakthrough could make South Africa the only African country to manufacture the life-saving vaccine from scratch.

READ: Cholera vaccine breakthrough offers SA freedom from foreign pharmaceuticals - Motsoaledi

Biovac said producing the vaccine locally will strengthen Africa's ability to swiftly respond to outbreaks and ensure timely access to life-saving prevention tools for vulnerable communities.

CEO Morena Makhoana commented: "Biovac is proud to have developed a vaccine from beginning to end in South Africa. This is the first time in over 50 years that such a milestone has been achieved. There are recurring cholera outbreaks worldwide and on the African continent. With the ongoing shortage of a vaccine, this development addresses a critical life-saving need of people in Africa and beyond."

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