Strengthening HIV Research & Innovation in Africa: 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.
Strengthen ACRN’s clinical trials and research capabilities across Africa.
Key discussion areas included:
Building laboratory immunology capacity.
Identifying gaps and opportunities in current systems.
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, and engaged with the local community to underscore the importance of inclusive participation in clinical trials.
Met with researchers at the Parirenyatwa Centre of Excellence, where the Centre’s Director, Dr. Katsidzira, highlighted Zimbabwe’s progress toward the 95-95-95 HIV care targets, while 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 ensure 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. ACRN includes Mutala Trust, a clinical research organisation founded in Zimbabwe in 2021, and works to strengthen Africa’s leadership in global health research.