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File: A girl receives an oral cholera vaccine
The first vaccine to be entirely manufactured in South Africa in over 50 years has been launched at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Biovac and the South African Medical Research Council say the Oral Cholera Vaccine was developed from start to finish locally.
The first phase of the clinical trials has now started.
The initiative marks a major milestone for local science and public health, as cholera outbreaks continue to threaten communities across Africa.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says, “Nowhere on the African continent, nowhere I repeat, do we find a pharmaceutical company that can manufacture vaccines right from scratch, end to end. This is the first on our African continent. Of course, we are hoping it won’t be the last, but it will be the first, and that’s why we are so excited about it because it is history making.”
Deputy Minister @dstigovza Dr Nomalungelo Gina has arrived at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit @HaniAcademic in Soweto, for the launch of the clinical trial for South Africa’s first locally developed vaccine, the Oral Cholera Vaccine a
Dr Gina will deliver a message of support at… pic.twitter.com/fyaQb1SHFt
— Veronica Mohapeloa (@ma_mohapeloa) November 11, 2025
In light of tomorrow’s event, here are highlights from last week’s launch of Biovac’s new Product Development Laboratories in Cape Town. The opening marked a major step toward advancing Africa’s vaccine development, #innovation, and health security. #Biovac #HealthInnovation pic.twitter.com/H36wI8INQI
— DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION (@dstigovza) November 10, 2025
