Page 6 - Advancing Life - January 2026

6 ADVANCINGLIFE, FEBRUARY 2026
NEWS Issue 05

SAMRC’s Work in HIV, treatment with harsh drugs The trial will be the first to test a Its evidence feeds into national For HIDRU, the goal is simple but
TB, and Emerging that are often less effective locally developed rooibos-based policy, clinical guidelines, and ambitious: to transform discovery
into healthier lives, and to make
product in adults with high blood
public health programmes, all
than standard TB medicines.
Innovations Pregnant women face even sugar and cholesterol levels. If aimed at improving prevention, every breakthrough count for the
(continued) greater risks, yet they are successful, it could provide an treatment, and care. people who need it most.
typically excluded from clinical affordable, natural supplement to
trials of new TB drugs. For the modern medicine, reducing both
pneumonia, it also carries risks past 12 years, HIDRU has been costs and chronic disease risks.
for mothers living with HIV who following pregnant women
have high viral loads. HIDRU’s treated for DR-TB, tracking Beyond the laboratory,
PedMAb1 study, completed their treatment responses, HIDRU takes its work into the
in April 2025, explored a new pregnancy outcomes, and the community. Researchers host
way to protect babies. The growth of their children. This workshops and dialogues to
trial tested two laboratory- has built the world’s largest share findings and hear directly
made antibodies known as database of pregnant women from those affected by the issues
broadly neutralising anti-HIV-1 with DR-TB and offered new under study. Visual aids and
monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) insights into how to improve infographics help turn complex
designed to fight HIV infection. treatment and care for this science into clear, relatable
The results were promising: vulnerable group. information. Partnerships with
the antibodies were safe, well- NGOs, traditional leaders, faith-
tolerated, and could become Innovation at HIDRU isn’t based groups, and government,
part of a new generation of tools limited to infectious diseases. particularly the National
to stop infant HIV transmission The unit will soon launch the Department of Health, ensure
during breastfeeding. Afriplex GRT trial, a pioneering that research findings reach the
local study exploring the health people and systems that can act
HIDRU’s work also extends to benefits of Aspalathus linearis, on them.
tuberculosis, especially drug- better known as rooibos. Long
resistant TB (DR-TB), one enjoyed as a traditional South Through this blend of science,
of the toughest challenges in African tea, rooibos has been collaboration, and compassion,
public health. Each year, more linked to heart and metabolic HIDRU is helping turn research Sindisiwe Hlangu (left, HIDRU study staff) at King DiniZulu Hospital MDR-TB
clinic with one of the doctors. There is a good working relationship because
than 7,000 South Africans health, but scientific evidence has into real-world impact. Sindi assists by bringing back patients who defaulted treatment, and in
develop DR-TB, requiring been limited. return inform Sindi if there are new pregnant women initiated on treatment.

South Africa Launches First Locally

Manufactured Oral Cholera Vaccine

Trials in Over 50 Years

By: Tendani Tsedu

outh Africa has entered
Sa historic new chapter
in public health with the
launch of clinical trials for
the first locally manufactured
Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV)
in more than five decades.
Developed by Biovac,
the vaccine represents a
significant step toward
strengthening the country’s
vaccine sovereignty and its
ability to respond rapidly to
future disease outbreaks.

The launch took place at
Chris Hani Baragwanath
Hospital, drawing senior
leaders from government and
the national health sector.
Among those present were
Minister of Health Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi, Deputy Minister
of Science, Technology and Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, pictured with two oral cholera vaccine (OCV) clinical trial participants, alongside dignitaries including the Deputy
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina.
Innovation Dr Nomalungelo
Gina, Gauteng MEC for Health Glenda Gray, Chief Scientific Africa, where outbreaks place
and Wellness Ms Nomantu Officer at the South African pressure on health systems The initiation of the OCV trials is more than a
Nkomo-Ralehoko, and hospital Medical Research Council and and vulnerable communities. scientific milestone; it is an investment in South
CEO Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, Distinguished Professor in the A locally developed and Africa’s long-term public health resilience and a move
a clear signal of the vaccine’s Faculty of Health Sciences at produced vaccine stands
national importance. Wits University. to improve the country’s that promises far-reaching benefits for communities
readiness and reduce reliance
The clinical trials are under Cholera remains a persistent on global supply chains during across the region.
the leadership of Professor threat in parts of Southern emergency response efforts.