HIV Vaccine Research in South Africa Halted Due to Trump’s USAID Cuts

The destruction of USAID by President Donald Trump led South African scientists to stop their important research work. The BRILLIANT research initiative moved forward with its $45 million USAID funding to become a vital Africa-managed program against HIV.

The Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit at the University of Witwatersrand located in Johannesburg witnessed promising research outcomes after rabbit trials demonstrated positive immune responses from their initial vaccine candidates. Research scientists employed mRNA vaccine technology to develop their therapeutic approach which was near the point of conducting human trials throughout South Africa and Kenya and Uganda. The promising laboratory breakthroughs remain confined to storage facilities because they have not been used commercialistically.

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The research halt of BRILLIANT disrupts scientific advancement in this field while blocking Africa’s plans to become a major force in vaccine creation. Nigel Garrett the Chief Scientific Officer at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation described his frustration as the building project started but evaporated before its completion. The termination stands as an important setback because HIV remains without a vaccine since its 1983 discovery yet this homegrown African project could establish essential vaccine production facilities. The U.S. State Department failed to provide comments regarding future funding for the research project.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​