Page 90 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

HIV and Other Infectious

Diseases Research Unit

Deputy Unit Director:

Dr. Terusha Chetty
terusha.chetty@mrc.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies for young
Strategic Objectives and Impact women (HPTN 084, Purpose-1, and PrEPVacc).

The HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research The unit also enrolled participants in the Phase 3 M72
Unit (HIDRU) is dedicated to reducing the burden TB vaccine trial and investigated multidrug-resistant
of key infectious diseases, particularly, HIV, and TB (MDR-TB) treatment outcomes in pregnant
tuberculosis (TB) through high-impact research that
informs prevention, treatment, and service delivery women. Further, HIDRU assessed novel TB vaccines
interventions. and studied interventions to improve maternal
and newborn care. These research efforts provide
During the 2024-2025 financial period, HIDRU critical evidence for policy, clinical guidelines, and
contributed to the HIV and TB focal areas, alongside
two cross-cutting themes: socio-behavioural science, public health programmes, contributing to improved
and maternal, family, child health, and nutrition prevention and treatment strategies and ultimately
(MFCHN). Key achievements included evaluating HIV reducing the burden of infectious diseases in South
vaccines (PrEPVacc, HVTN 139, 142) and assessing Africa and globally.

HIDRU exhibiting at the G20 Health Working Group meeting in Durban.

88 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25