Page 96 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Navigating the Impact of US Research Translation
Executive Orders on Funding Through Arts and Science
The US Executive Orders on funding have significantly During the reporting period, the unit made
impacted CAPRISA, particularly in our TB and HIV significant contributions to communicating
research. The halt of USAID funding has led to the scientific advancements through local, national
suspension of two key projects: the BRILLANT HIV and international stakeholder engagements.
vaccine trial and the MATRIX microbicide R&D Prof. Naidoo presented abstracts at prestigious
project. These studies are crucial for advancing HIV international conferences, including the Global
prevention, especially for women, and their delay Forum on TB Vaccines, The Union World Conference
threatens progress in developing new treatments on Lung Health, the AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting,
and prevention methods for both HIV and TB, which and CROI 2024/2025. Prof. Abdool Karim delivered
disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. several international talks including lectures to the
Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University,
While the freeze on PEPFAR funding did not Hood College in Maryland and The Vatican.
directly impact CAPRISA, the potential loss of NIH
funding poses a further challenge, with a risk of an The unit was also active in policy engagement.
R75 million shortfall. This would severely hinder Prof. Abdool Karim participated in the Pfizer
ongoing research, including critical HIV prevention Horizon Summit on Pandemic Preparedness and
and treatment trials. Given the high TB and HIV chaired the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative
burden in South Africa, disruptions in research Committee, which advises the Director-General on
funding directly impact our ability to develop declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental
innovative solutions to these health crises, delaying Security. Both Prof. Naidoo and Prof. Perumal
life-saving interventions. delivered presentations locally and globally on TB
drug-resistance, Advanced HIV Disease (AHD),
In response, CAPRISA has been using reserves and acute and post-viral diseases. Prof. Naidoo
to maintain operations temporarily, but these serves on the TB Vaccine Working Group of NAGI,
financial uncertainties pose long-term risks to the several TB initiatives and national strategic plans.
sustainability of our research and its outcomes for Profs. Naidoo and Perumal both serve on NCAC.
HIV and TB patients. Without necessary funding, the Dr. A Naidoo was an invited speaker to the WHO
future of our work could be compromised, affecting High-Level Consultation on AIDS. Mr. Mdletshe
the health and well-being of those most in need. continues to play a pivotal role in SANAC,
Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), local and
provincial AIDS councils and regional initiatives,
focusing on HIV prevention, strategic planning and
active engagement with the local communities.
Mr. Mdletshe has driven CAPRISA's community
mobilisation efforts through engagement with
stakeholders including SANTACO, tribal chiefs, and
educational institutions. These efforts reflect a multi-
dimensional approach to global health challenges,
from policy advocacy to education, mobilisation,
and capacity-building.
Study Team Groups.

94 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25