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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.

Issued by Michele Clarke MP - DA Spokesperson on Health