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University of Zimbabwe drives research for HIV cure
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The University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is intensifying its efforts to find a cure for HIV, as Zimbabwe works towards its ambitious goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Renowned for its leadership in medical research, UZ-CTRC has been instrumental in the development and testing of innovative strategies not only to treat and prevent HIV, but also to address other pressing health challenges such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and cancer.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education in Harare on Thursday, senior research nurse Vanessa Gatsi highlighted the centre's pivotal role in shaping HIV prevention efforts in Zimbabwe and beyond.
"Because of our research, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to approve the Dapivirine vaginal ring and the injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)," Gatsi said.
"We also supported healthcare workers by training them to administer these new injections and counsel clients to make informed choices about their preferred HIV prevention methods."
The centre's contributions have helped shape the national HIV prevention guidelines, including PrEP options for adults and the use of nevirapine prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. UZ-CTRC also led the push for universal antiretroviral therapy, widely recognised as a cornerstone of the "treatment as prevention" approach.
Research counsellor Caroline Mugocha added that UZ-CTRC remains focused on testing next-generation prevention technologies, including monoclonal antibodies for use in both adults and infants, and HIV vaccine candidates developed by researchers globally and across Africa.
"We are currently evaluating the use of monoclonal antibodies to prevent HIV infection," Mugocha said.
"Our goal is to reduce new HIV infections through the most advanced scientific tools available."
She also credited the centre's strong collaboration with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) for enabling rapid approval and registration of new products.
"Our partnership with MCAZ during clinical trials allowed Zimbabwe to become the first country on the continent to register and approve these breakthrough prevention tools," she noted.
As Zimbabwe strives to achieve UNAIDS' 95-95-95 targets - diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, placing 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and achieving viral suppression in 95% of those treated - institutions like UZ-CTRC are seen as critical to reaching that goal.
With continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, UZ-CTRC remains a beacon of hope in the region's collective fight to end HIV as a public health threat within the next five years.
Renowned for its leadership in medical research, UZ-CTRC has been instrumental in the development and testing of innovative strategies not only to treat and prevent HIV, but also to address other pressing health challenges such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and cancer.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education in Harare on Thursday, senior research nurse Vanessa Gatsi highlighted the centre's pivotal role in shaping HIV prevention efforts in Zimbabwe and beyond.
"Because of our research, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to approve the Dapivirine vaginal ring and the injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)," Gatsi said.
"We also supported healthcare workers by training them to administer these new injections and counsel clients to make informed choices about their preferred HIV prevention methods."
The centre's contributions have helped shape the national HIV prevention guidelines, including PrEP options for adults and the use of nevirapine prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. UZ-CTRC also led the push for universal antiretroviral therapy, widely recognised as a cornerstone of the "treatment as prevention" approach.
"We are currently evaluating the use of monoclonal antibodies to prevent HIV infection," Mugocha said.
"Our goal is to reduce new HIV infections through the most advanced scientific tools available."
She also credited the centre's strong collaboration with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) for enabling rapid approval and registration of new products.
"Our partnership with MCAZ during clinical trials allowed Zimbabwe to become the first country on the continent to register and approve these breakthrough prevention tools," she noted.
As Zimbabwe strives to achieve UNAIDS' 95-95-95 targets - diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, placing 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and achieving viral suppression in 95% of those treated - institutions like UZ-CTRC are seen as critical to reaching that goal.
With continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, UZ-CTRC remains a beacon of hope in the region's collective fight to end HIV as a public health threat within the next five years.
Source - newsday
