India happens to be the home of 2.7 million people suffering from HIV and maybe a lot more. The total number of people infected with the virus increase by an astounding 7,100 every day. In order to resolve this problem, Indian authorities have kicked off a new HIV vaccine design programme with a new HIV Vaccine Laboratory to be setup in New Delhi.

Talking about the development, M K Bhan from the Department of Biotechnology informed that the new HIV vaccine design programme has been launched in collaboration between the Transitional Health Sciences and Technology Institute (THSTI) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The two will be working and funding the programme together.

It will basically revolve around the biggest challenges being faced by the world in designing a competent HIV vaccine. The initiative will last for a time period spanning a five years and will end up costing authorities Rs. 50 crore.

Talking to the Indian Express, Director of the programme, Dr. Rajat Goyal said that IAVI had already spent Rs. 19.3 crore on the initiative. He added that the government and IAVI shared a very important relationship that will be of immense benefit later on in life.

The new development follows the completion of HIV vaccine trials in India by IAVI.