HIV vaccine test hopes for breakthrough in combat against the virus

New vaccine trial in South Africa builds on previous RV144 study to bring in more effective prevention of infection

The first new trial of a potential vaccine against HIV in seven years has begun in South Africa, raising hopes that it will help bring about the end of the epidemic.

Although fewer people are now dying from Aids because 18.2 million are on drug treatment for life to suppress the virus, efforts to prevent people from becoming infected have not been very successful. The infection rate has continued to rise and experts do not believe the epidemic will be ended without a vaccine.