ACRN Hosts Gates Foundation & IAVI in Zimbabwe
From 5 to 7 February 2025.ACRN hosted senior HIV experts from the Gates Foundation and the International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The visit aimed to assess Mutala’s preparedness for upcoming HIV vaccine trials and strengthen ACRN’s clinical trials and research capabilities across Africa.
The discussions focused on building lab immunology capacity, identifying gaps and opportunities, and defining future strategies to advance HIV research and vaccine development. As part of the visit, the team:
- Visited Mbare Clinic, a potential HIV vaccine trial recruitment site, engaging with the local community to underscore the importance of inclusive participation in clinical trials.
- Met with researchers at the Parirenyatwa Centre of Excellence. The Centre’s Director, Dr. Katsidzira, highlighted Zimbabwe’s progress towards the 95-95-95 HIV care targets, acknowledging existing gaps and the need for innovative interventions like HIV vaccines.
The visit reinforced the need for collaborative efforts to drive scientific innovation and equitable access to HIV prevention strategies across the continent.
About ACRN: We are a pan-African, African-led clinical research network that builds capacity for high-quality clinical trials and impacts public health and economic systems. It includes Mutala Trust, a clinical research organisation founded in Zimbabwe in 2021, and works to strengthen Africa’s leadership in global health research.
#HIVResearch #ClinicalTrials #AfricaFirst #ACRN #GlobalHealth #HIVVaccine #CapacityBuilding #PublicHealth