Prof Shabir Madhi gives update on COVID-19 vaccine trials in SA

The University of the Witwatersrand has been at the forefront of several COVID-19 vaccine trials, including the one involving Oxford University's AstraZeneca vaccine candidate, which recently announced a 70 per cent efficacy rate. Professor Shabir Madhi, a leading expert in Vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand, provided an update on these trials in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. In his discussion, Professor Madhi highlighted the potential of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the fight against COVID-19. He mentioned that the company is collaborating with various manufacturers to produce up to three billion doses of the vaccine by the end of next year. Moreover, the cost of the AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to be significantly lower than that of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. This affordability factor plays a crucial role in making vaccines accessible to a wider population, especially in regions like Africa. One key point stressed by Professor Madhi is the importance of having a diverse portfolio of effective vaccines. While the development of multiple vaccines is underway, the aim is to have around ten different vaccines proven to be successful within a short period. This strategy would enhance the chances of securing adequate vaccine supplies at affordable prices for regions like Africa. Regarding the duration of immunity provided by vaccines, Professor Madhi addressed concerns about the longevity of protection. While studies on the durability of vaccine-induced immunity are still ongoing, he mentioned positive indications from natural infection cases. Evidence suggests that immunity from natural infection can last for six to nine months, with a possible extension to two to three years based on previous experiences with other coronaviruses. This indicates a promising outlook for the lasting efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. The final point of discussion revolved around the timeline for obtaining results from the South African vaccine trials. Professor Madhi explained that the outcome would depend on the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country. Approximately 50 cases among trial participants are required to analyze the vaccine's effectiveness. Based on current projections, results are expected sometime around the middle of next year, contingent on the rate of resurgence in South Africa. In conclusion, the ongoing efforts and progress in COVID-19 vaccine trials, particularly in South Africa, are crucial steps towards combating the pandemic. The insights provided by Professor Madhi shed light on the potential impact of vaccines like AstraZeneca in creating a global defense against COVID-19.