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MALAWI: HIV vaccine trials set to begin

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 15 April (PLUSNEWS) - Malawi will become one of three southern Africa countries to begin tests on an experimental HIV vaccine in May, as part of an urgent global effort to prevent HIV/AIDS.

The vaccine will be tested on HIV-1, a strain of the virus that has affected about 1 million Malawians and reduced life expectancy in the country from 56 years to 37 years.

Dr Jane Mallewa, the coordinator and investigator of record at the Johns Hopkins Project in the commercial centre of Blantyre, said the trials would be conducted in three phases. She urged the participation of 44 HIV-negative volunteers for the first phase.

Mallewa was quoted by a local newspaper, The Nation, as saying: "The objective will be to first find out the safety of the vaccine ... and its efficacy, to see if it is effective in protecting against acquisition of HIV."

[ENDS]

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