Aids vaccine development on course despite hiccups: Kenyan researcher

Kenyan scientists have intensified the search for an Aids vaccine despite a funding shortfall and competing demands from other infectious diseases like malaria and Ebola.

Omu Anzala, a senior researcher with Kenya Aids Vaccine Initiative (KAVI), told reporters on Thursday the momentum to find a cure for HIV/Aids has not stalled.

"Though we cannot give specific timelines, I can confirm that Kenyan scientists have made significant breakthrough in the search for an Aids vaccine. We are testing two products that have demonstrated efficacy," said Anzala.

Since its establishment in 1999, the KAVI has mobilized financial resources and technical expertise to boost research on a vaccine that would protect individuals from HIV infection.

Anzala clarified that a funding shortfall from development partners has not disrupted the search for an Aids vaccine.

"It is true that funding has declined, but we have scientific capacity to carry out research for an Aids vaccine for the long haul. We are testing two products through a rigorous system and eventually break through will be guaranteed," Anzala told Xinhua

Kenyan researchers have tested several vaccines since 2001 to gauge their capacity to prevent HIV infection. Anzala noted the sophisticated nature of HIV virus has undermined efficacy of vaccines and drugs.

"The Aids vaccine is not conventional and we are readjusting our research efforts since the virus keeps on mutating. However, we have harnessed technologies similar to the ones used to develop an Ebola vaccine," said the researcher.

He stressed that rigorous clinical trials will ensure the Aids vaccine meets a higher threshold.

"The vaccine must be able to attack all HIV virus strains. The science is promising and we are on a learning curve even if the vaccine takes longer to be unveiled," Anzala said. Endi