tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
THE University of Zimbabwe (UZ), in collaboration with regional partners, has been awarded a substantial grant of over US$45 million to develop and test new HIV vaccines.
The grant provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will fund the implementation of the HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing and testing novel HIV vaccines.
The University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZCTRC) will represent Zimbabwe in this prestigious consortium.
The BRILLIANT (Bringing Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology) consortium comprises leading African scientists from Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
They will work towards the development of innovative HIV vaccines tailored to the African context.
Dr Nyaradzo Mgodi, UZ researcher and lecturer, BRILLIANT principal investigator, said:
“This programme presents a unique opportunity for African scientists to conduct research with communities in the region, testing vaccine immunogens developed and designed in Africa.
“The responsibility to deliver an effective HIV vaccine is a global priority, and we are confident that the HIV-VISTA programme will make a significant contribution to this effort.
UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo said the awarding of the grant is a significant milestone in the national health response.
“This investment in research and innovative technology for vaccine discovery augments the institution’s research capacity in HIV, and in other disease conditions.
“Participating in BRILLIANT supports leadership development of UZ faculty, consolidating research management skills of our growing pool of accomplished scientists and better equipping them to fulfil their role in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030,” he said.
The programme will be carried out in an eight-country African consortium led by Professor Glenda Gray, the CEO and President of the South African Medical Research Council.
Online Reporter