AS the health ministry’s HIV Vaccine Trials Unit joins the world in observing HIV Vaccine Awareness Day today, it is currently preparing to begin another trial this summer.

Last August, Jamaican experts on HIV officially joined a global network of scientists in the search for an effective vaccine to prevent HIV infection when the first HIV vaccine trial was conducted in Jamaica. Since then, more than 100 volunteers have been screened at the research unit and 35 volunteers enrolled and were vaccinated in two HIV vaccine trials.

Principal investigator Professor Peter Figueroa said Jamaicans have responded positively to the call for volunteers and the research unit has successfully completed enrolment in its first two HIV vaccine trials.

Professor Figueroa also reported that volunteers came forward for different reasons. He said many volunteers knew a family member or friend living with HIV, while others want to see their children grow up without the fear of contracting HIV. He also said no serious side effects have been observed to date in any of the volunteers being closely monitored by the study’s staff.

Currently, the unit continues to screen volunteers to determine their eligibility for participation in an HIV vaccine trial.

Volunteers who are screened will undergo a physical examination, blood tests, including an HIV test, and counselling about participation in research and safe sexual behaviour. Volunteers must be HIV negative in order to participate in an HIV vaccine trial.

Persons who are interested in becoming volunteers or getting more information on the HIV vaccine trials should attend today’s HIV Vaccine Awareness Day at 55 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston, located on the grounds of the Comprehensive Health Centre.

Among the day’s activities is a tour of the trial site to help the general public and the media learn more about the HIV vaccine trials.