Page 79 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

HIV and Other Infectious

Diseases Research Unit and
Other Infectious Diseases
Research Unit

Deputy Unit Director:
Dr. Elizabeth Spooner

Prioritising responsive research and HIV. We are also evaluating new preventative and
through impactful interventions therapeutic TB vaccines. Additionally, we are studying
the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of COVID-19
The HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research vaccines, including their safety during pregnancy,
Unit (HIDRU) contributes to reducing the high and the epidemiology of COVID-19 in pediatric
burden of infectious diseases, particularly Human populations in low- to middle-income countries.
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), sexually transmitted Furthermore, we are assessing the safety and
infections (STIs), COVID-19, and tuberculosis (TB), pharmacokinetics of broadly neutralising antibodies
in South Africa and globally. The unit addresses this in infants exposed to and living with HIV, as well as the
problem by leading a programme of studies that effectiveness of interventions to reduce maternal and
assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of perinatal mortality.
chemotherapeutic agents, vaccines, and antibodies.
HIDRU is also engaged in testing interventions that
strengthen services for populations affected by HIV, Equitable capacity development
TB, COVID-19, and STIs. By targeting three focal for empowering communities
areas (HIV, TB, and COVID-19) and 2 cross-cutting HIDRU supports the capacity development of staff
areas (socio-behavioural science; and maternal, through study support or seed funding to promote
family, child health and nutrition).
unit-initiated research through unit baseline funds.
We are investigating the safety and efficacy of new HIV A committee reviews staff applications and ensures
vaccines and assessing the best combinations of pre- equitable support. In 2023, 55 staff were supported
exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV among as follows: three towards a PhD; 12 towards a master’s
young women. Our research includes describing degree; 16 towards a diploma, undergraduate or
TB epidemiology in preparation for a Phase 3 M72 postgraduate qualification; 17 towards a certificate
TB vaccine study starting in mid-2024 and analysing or module completion; two to attend skills-building
treatment outcomes for pregnant women, infants, workshops; four to attend a conference; and one staff
and individuals with multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) received seed funding. In 2021, HIDRU recognised a

PrEPVacc Investigators meeting with Community Members, Dar es Salaam Tanzania January 2024.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 77