The near death -- and last-minute reprieve -- of a trial for an HIV vaccine

Health workers including community liaison officer Amelia Mfiki (far left) discuss the recruitment of participants for a new HIV vaccine trial in the township of Philippi Village in Cape Town, South Africa.

A trial was about to launch for a vaccine that would ward off the HIV virus. It would be an incredible breakthrough. Then it looked as if it would be over before it started.

(Image credit: Tommy Trenchard for NPR)