AEGiS-ST: SA Aids scientists get government boost

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

SA Aids scientists get government boost

Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - July 28, 2009
Harriet McLea

Nine groups of South African AIDS researchers will benefit from the Department of Science and Technology's new research platform launched today. South African HIV/AIDS Research and Innovation Platform (SHARP) will provide financial support to South African researchers as they explore "every possible avenue to beat the virus".

The department has allocated R45 million to SHARP for the next three years. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom said that there was an "opportunity to leverage finances and mobilise more funds" should the projects deliver on their objectives.

Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology said that research must not only be supported, but it must deliver results which will impact all South Africans. She added that South Africa bears a "massive burden [of responsibility]" in the fight against Aids. Twenty-two million of the 33 million people who have Aids live in sub-Saharan Africa, according to results released in 2007.

Pandor said that SHARP had been established to "give opportunities to young researchers who might not yet be established in the field, but who have bright ideas that deserve support". "Development of an effective vaccine might take many more years... in the meantime we must look at every possible avenue to deal with HIV Aids" said Pandor.

One project, lead by Shayne Loubser of Troy Technologies will help test anti-retroviral (ARV) drug resistance. Loubser said that the testing method is more accurate and cheaper than DNA sequencing which is currently the only method available at the moment. The research will validate the testing and help doctors prescribe the most optimal ARV treatment for each patient.

Another research project, lead by Doctor Zinhle Makatini, from the University of Limpopo will test drug resistant mutations. Researchers from the University of Cape Town will do tests on a women who remain HIV negative because of cells they have which are immune to acquiring the infection.

090728
ST090707

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .