(17 June 2016) Progress in the fight against AIDS. In recent days, a study conducted by the the Superior Institute of Health in South Africa was published in the journal Retrovirology confirming the effectiveness of a new vaccine. In particular, the phase II clinical study conducted in South Africa confirmed that the therapeutic Tat vaccine against HIV / AIDS can improve HIV infection treatments available today. The results were published in Retrovirology, one of the most influential newspapers in the field of HIV / AIDS. The vaccine was developed in the laboratories of the Superior Institute of Health by the Italian National AIDS Centre (CNAIDS), directed by Dr. Barbara Ensoli. The study is part of the “Support Programme to South Africa’s Ministry of Health for the implementation of the national program of global response to HIV-AIDS in areas between South Africa and surrounding countries and in selected regions”. It was financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) with €22 million, directed by Dr. Ensoli (project manager) and Dr. Paul Monini (Project manager in South Africa) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Research Council of South Africa. The results of the programme were evaluated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) which has monitored, for a little over a year implementation procedures, cost-effectiveness and impact of the programme in South Africa, hoping that the trial of the vaccine continues onto phase III for registration in South Africa. Italian and South African members are working to this end to solicit further financial support from international organisations. (Red)
