The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has approved a clinical trial of an HIV vaccine to be undertaken by the Centre for Health Research in Zambia (CFHRZ).
The experimental medicine vaccine trial will be administered to People Living with HIV.
NBA Chief Executive Officer Lackson Tonga said the vaccine trial permit application for CFHRZ was approved by NBA Board last week, during an extra ordinary meeting and that it is valid for three years.
“The Scientific Advisory Committee of the NBA conducted a risk assessment and concluded that the vaccine poses low risks to human health, animals and the environment,” said Mr. Tonga.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tonga said the Authority last year, granted 39 permits for products which may contain genetically modified organism (GMOs) where seven where for imports while the rest were for placing the GMO products on the market.
He said in the same period, NBA granted 52 Transit Permits compared to 64 in 2023.
Mr. Tonga also highlighted that the Authority recorded non compliances which led to seizure and destruction of some products which may contain GMOs among these include mealie meal and some soups stating that the products found themselves on the Zambia market without prior authorization from the NBA.
By Margaret Mwanza
