BBC News reported on Tuesday that human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Oxford University, are beginning in South Africa and Brazil.

In South Africa, 2,000 people will be involved in what is widely considered one of most advanced trials for a vaccine to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first doses of the vaccine will be administered in Johannesburg this week.

Reportedly, South Africa has been chosen, not just for its expertise in this field, but because Covid-19 is now spreading fast here.

That makes it far easier for scientists to find a community at immediate risk of infection and to then inform whether this British vaccine is effective.

Also, similar tests are already under way in the UK, where the infection rate is slowing. Hence the move to South Africa and Brazil, where 5,000 people will be involved in the vaccine trial.