In a groundbreaking development for HIV/AIDS research in Africa, Professor Nelesh Govender from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, has been awarded a prestigious £2 million grant to combat deadly bacterial and fungal infections among people living with HIV/AIDS. The funding, provided by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through its global research professorship scheme, is aimed at benefiting low- and middle-income countries.
Professor Govender, a distinguished medical microbiologist and epidemiologist, will lead a research initiative titled "Refining Interventions to Reduce AIDS Mortality from Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Africa." This project is critical, as bacterial and fungal infections are responsible for at least one-third of the 630,000 global AIDS-related deaths annually. The infections targeted by the research include cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), pneumococcal and Salmonella infections, and histoplasmosis.
The research seeks to refine a World Health Organization package of care for people living with AIDS, to prevent deaths from these severe infections. Professor Govender will collaborate with colleagues and partners across several African nations, including South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Guinea. This collaboration is expected to strengthen research leadership in the region and ensure the practical application of research findings into health interventions.
Southern Africa faces unique challenges related to certain AIDS-related infections. One such infection is Emergomyces africanus, a fungus identified by Professor Govender and his team in 2013, which causes life-threatening infections in people with AIDS. Another significant concern is histoplasmosis, a global infection that remains underdiagnosed in Africa due to the lack of accessible and accurate diagnostic tests.
With the £2 million NIHR grant, Professor Govender will dedicate his full-time efforts to this research over the next five years. His team will be supported by postdoctoral and PhD students who will join the Wits mycology research division, enhancing the division's capacity and impact. The NIHR Global Research Professorship scheme is designed to promote the effective translation of research into practical health solutions and to strengthen research leadership at the highest academic levels.
“This funding will significantly bolster our efforts to reduce AIDS mortality from bacterial and fungal infections,” said Professor Govender. “By refining and implementing targeted interventions, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS across Africa.”
The grant not only highlights the critical need to address secondary infections in HIV/AIDS patients but also underscores the importance of continued investment in health research to tackle the unique challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries.
Article by RB Reporter
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