Home / Health / HIV Trial Restarted After US Funding Cut
HIV Trial Restarted After US Funding Cut
2 Mar
Summary
- An HIV vaccine trial in Africa restarted with local and foundation funding.
- Former US aid cuts severely disrupted vital HIV research and treatment networks.
- A new twice-yearly HIV jab, lenacapavir, offers near-total protection.
An HIV vaccine trial, BRILLIANT 011, has resumed in Africa after initial funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was abruptly cancelled in January 2025. Restarted through a combination of South African government, Gates Foundation, and Wellcome Trust funding, the trial aims to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The previous funding halt caused significant delays, disrupted scientific collaboration, and impacted personnel.
In parallel, lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly preventative injection providing near-total protection against HIV, is being introduced in several southern African nations. This breakthrough offers a crucial tool for combating the epidemic, especially among young women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the success of both the vaccine trial and lenacapavir's rollout hinges on robust delivery systems, which have been strained by prior aid reductions.
Experts highlight the vulnerability of the global HIV ecosystem, where scientific progress is often fragile due to shifting financial and logistical support. The disruption of USAID-funded programs has left communities without essential follow-up care and medication, leading to tragic outcomes. Efforts are underway to ensure equitable access to new prevention tools like lenacapavir, emphasizing the need for coordinated investment beyond just affordability.
