CNN reports on ‘the last roll of the dice’ for an HIV vaccine this decade

The PrEPVacc HIV prevention study has been featured in a CNN ‘Inside Africa’ online article by Thomas Page. Drawing on interviews with multiple PrEPVacc sources, the CNN article explores the history and context of PrEPVacc, the only current HIV vaccine efficacy trial in the world.

Quoted in the article are Professor Jonathan Weber, lead applicant and coordinator of PrEPVacc, Dr Eugene Ruzagira, PrEPVacc trial director, and Dr Nishanta Singh, principal investigator at the Verulam clinical research site in Durban, South Africa.

“In this decade, it will be the last roll of the dice. My prediction is there won’t be another efficacy study of an HIV vaccine until the 2030s.” - Professor Jonathan Weber, lead applicant and coordinator of PrEPVacc

PrEPVacc’s first participant, Luwano Geofrey, receiving his first vaccination in Masaka, Uganda

Also quoted is Luwano Geofrey, the first trial participant in Masaka, Uganda.

“I felt this was a big project that needed our support as a community,” he told CNN, in an interview conducted in the Luganda language by a PrEPVacc community engagement officer.

“One of the things I liked most was that participants would have routine HIV counseling and testing, free condoms, PrEP and support and care,” he explained. “I live and work in (a) fishing community. Most times, we lack these services.” - Luwano Geofrey

CNN: A trial is underway that could be ‘the last roll of the dice’ for an HIV vaccine this decade