Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
20 May 2025 | 11:05 CAT

A leading research site in South Africa faces closure following US funding cuts, threatening decades of progress in HIV and TB innovation. (Photo – Freepik.com)

South Africa’s longstanding leadership in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis (TB) may be in jeopardy following recent cuts in United States foreign aid funding. A new analysis conducted by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Treatment Action Group warns that crucial clinical trials and research sites across the country are now at risk.

Christophe Perrin, a TB advocacy pharmacist at MSF, joined Radio Islam International to outline the sobering implications. “We tried with Treatment Action Group to map trials funded by NIH-DAIDS. This analysis is the first of its kind and unfortunately shows that many sites involved in pioneering HIV and TB research in South Africa are under threat.”

Perrin stressed that these are not just routine projects. “These are critical trials—developing HIV and TB vaccines, shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB, and investigating safer treatments for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.”

South Africa has been a global leader in such innovations. “Over the past 20 years, the country has developed clinical trial units that meet international standards,” Perrin said. “South African experts have been behind key advancements, working closely with U.S. universities and institutions.”

But the consequences of funding withdrawal are already being felt. “One major trial unit at WITS has laid off part of its team, with more cuts expected. These are highly skilled professionals who may leave public research altogether—many will be absorbed by the private sector, resulting in a massive loss to public health efforts,” Perrin explained.

He further highlighted the broader infrastructure under threat. “Labs supporting trial units also serve major hospitals and clinics in virology and drug-resistance testing. If these collapse, the ripple effect will be enormous.”

Despite South Africa’s proven commitment to rolling out new treatments and diagnostic tools, its future capacity hinges on sustained international investment. “We already have tools to treat and diagnose, but it’s the next-generation tools—vaccines, faster treatments—that are at stake. These are essential to ending HIV and TB.”

In his closing remarks, Perrin warned, “It takes decades to build expertise and research infrastructure. It can be dismantled in days, but rebuilding will take years. Donors must act quickly.”

The call is clear: without urgent intervention, years of scientific progress and hope could unravel.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annisa Essack and Christophe Perrin, a TB advocacy pharmacist at MSF here.