University launches AIDS research facility

The growing need for a wider African research response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic has led to the creation of a "virtual institute" at one of South Africa's leading universities.

The concept of the University of Witwatersrand AIDS Research Institute is not to duplicate existing initiatives, but to coordinate research into the disease among the university faculties, Professor James McIntyre, founder of the institute, said at the launch on Tuesday.

The institute will not employ any researchers. Instead, it will connect research projects such as the HIV/AIDS Perinatal Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and the Centre for Health Policy in Johannesburg to foster interdisciplinary research.

Research teams will work on various project themes, including basic biomedical research, prevention interventions, and social, economic and political issues. Research into policy development and implementation will also be conducted by the university.

Speaking at the launch, vice-chancellor of the University of Natal and HIV/AIDS researcher Professor William Makgoba, welcomed the project as "another step forward" in the response to HIV/AIDS in the country.

"I would have liked to have said another step forward in the national response, but this creates the impression of a concerted national campaign, which unfortunately does not exist in South Africa to an adequate extent."

Makgoba called on African medical researchers and institutions to develop research excellence and produce effective and equitable solutions to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"We need to recognise that in South Africa we also have the requisite expertise and the will to address the epidemic, to assert our research expertise as Africans, and to make our mark on the world stage as leaders in HIV/AIDS research.

More details on the institute: www.wits.ac.za