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Tech innovation boosts HIV/AIDS fight

Audra Mahlong
By Audra Mahlong, senior journalist
Johannesburg, 29 Jul 2009

Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor has unveiled an initiative aimed at increasing the number and quality of products to prevent, diagnose and treat HIV/AIDS.

The South African HIV/AIDS Research and Innovation Platform (Sharp) forms part of the Department of Science and Technology's (DST's) efforts to fund HIV/AIDS research, facilitate the development of innovative technology solutions, and develop safe and affordable HIV/AIDS-related technologies.

Sharp will be based and managed at Lifelab, one of the three Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICs) set up by the DST. The DST has allocated R45 million for the centre over the next three years.

Speaking at the opening, Pandor maintained government remains committed to intensifying investment in research and development of safe and affordable HIV/AIDS-related products and technologies. She added Sharp was aligned with the department's mandate to ensure science and technology make an impact on growth and development in all areas.

“As it is, there are too many people living with HIV/AIDS, a high rate of new infections and, tragically, too many people dying of the disease. A coordinated effort by the research community, government and the private sector is, therefore, required. While the solution has to include multi-components and sectors, science and technology is a central factor in the effort to fight the disease,” she said.

Increasing funding

According to Candice Pillay, Sharp platform manager, the centre has been established to allow for partnerships between government and private investors, NGOs and business.

“The DST is providing initial funding for Sharp; however, it is imperative to the success of Sharp that we establish strong consortiums and networks to bid for international research funds and to leverage funding from non-governmental sources,” she stressed.

Pandor also noted in her address that the funding allocated to the centre was a good start, but that the department would increase its funding over the years. While she noted additional funding would not be available through the department's budget, she urged the director general, Phil Mjwara, to source additional sources of funding for the centre.

Pillay notes this added funding is necessary, saying: “This will ensure the development of cutting-edge innovations is not hindered by the lack of resources. We, therefore, encourage all interested parties to be part of the solution so that together we can help explore and identify solutions to deal with the pandemic in the country.”

The minister also noted supplementary funding would ensure the centre met its mandate, which includes making the commercialisation of products and services that come from research projects possible.

More investment

The DST also noted it remains committed to intensifying political support and efforts towards the research and development of anti-HIV/AIDS-related products and technologies, saying this was “critical to turn the tide against AIDS”.

The department, through its BRICs, has funded projects and the establishment of several companies focusing on HIV research, development and product innovation.

Arvir Technologies, a collaboration between Lifelab and the CSIR, is one such company. It uses technology invented by the CSIR for the production of highly-active antiretroviral therapy.

Another company is iThemba Pharmaceuticals, which is funded by Lifelab and BioPad. In partnership with international scientists, it has invented technology for the production of certain HIV drugs which it has licensed for development locally.

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