Talent Gore
THE University of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with regional partners, has been awarded a US$45 million USAID grant to implement the HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) programme.
The programme aims to initiate the development pipeline for HIV vaccine and will work towards developing vaccine candidates that are specifically suited to the African population.
It will be carried out in an eight-country African consortium and led by the CEO and president of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Prof Glenda Gray.
The University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZCTRC) will represent Zimbabwe in the Bringing Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory research to end HIV in Africa through New Vaccines Technology (BRILLIANT).
UZ researcher and lecturer, and BRILLIANT principal investigator, Dr Nyaradzo Mgodi, said the HIV-VISTA programme was significant.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“The HIV-VISTA programme is a major step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and the University of Zimbabwe and its partners are honoured to be part of this historic initiative.
“With the combined efforts of the BRILLIANT consortium, we are closer than ever to finding an effective HIV vaccine that will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of at-risk populations,” she said.
UZ Vice Chancellor, Prof 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,” he said.
“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’ Vision 2030.”