First recipients of new HIV vaccine speak about the experiment
Two Durban residents - who are the first to participate in a new HIV vaccine trial - say they're proud to be part of a study aimed at preventing HIV infections.
Ningi Mbutho and Nkosiyazi Mncube - both from Inanda, in northern KZN - received their initial injections at the Medical Research Council site in Verulam, today.
The two - who are amongst 5400 other participants - will be monitored for the first three months, then every quarter and at one year they will receive a booster vaccination.
The total study will last for a maximum of five years.
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According the the MRC, the applicants were screened for eligibility - which included counselling on HIV prevention, blood and pregnancy tests - before being enrolled.
29-year-old Mbutho says she's happy to be part of the trial.
"I've seen the effects of HIV/AIDS in my own community, and when I heard about the study, I wanted to be part of the solution to finding a prevention to the disease. I would be very happy if this is successful, because I have children, and believe others will benefit from this," she said.
23-year-old Mncube says he's hopeful this will assist the youth.
"I want to be able to protect myself from HIV/AIDS, and remain negative. This study will help other young people, and prevent them from becoming HIV positive," he said,