On 10th September, Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine launched its phase III pediatric clinical trial in South Africa and vaccinated the first participants. Minister-Counselor Mr. SHEN Long, Head of clinic research from National Department of Health Dr. Tshilidzi Muthivhi, CEO of South African Medical Research Council Dr. Glenda Gray, Vice-Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health and Science University Prof. Peter Mbati, Medical Director of Clinical Research Department in Sinovac Biotech Dr. ZENG Gang, Chairperson of Numolux Mr. Hilton Klein attended the event and addressed to the audience.
Mr. SHEN stressed during his speech, in the battle between humankind and coronavirus, anti-pandemic cooperation is imperative, equitable and fair distribution of vaccines is of paramount importance. China and South Africa attached great importance to the cooperation in COVID-19 vaccine. Recently, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the emergency use of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, which will also be included in South Africa’s COVID-19 inoculation arsenal. This pediatric clinical trial is one of the key content of the Vaccine R&D Center of BRICS countries. In addition, Mr. SHEN appreciated the great contribution of Numolux Group in supporting the vaccine cooperation between China and South Africa, wished the clinical trial a great success in future and Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine could arrive in South Africa in a very short time, contributing to the fighting, and eventually surmounting this pandemic.
Prof. Gray indicated, pediatric clinical trial and vaccination is essential for defeating this pandemic. Data proved that Sinovac vaccine is safe and effective. South African Medical Research Council is willing to support Sinovac vaccine to conduct pediatric clinical trial in South Africa and looking forward to including the Sinovac vaccine into South African national vaccination plan, especially for children and adolescents. Dr. Muthivhi said that National Department of Health welcomed the pediatric clinical trial of Sinovac vaccine, and believed that this trial would help to accomplish the South African target to vaccinate 70% population as early as possible.