HIV remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in southern and eastern Africa where most people living with the virus reside. The region is grappling with alarmingly high new infections despite advancements in prevention and treatment tools.
In South Africa, an estimated 150,000 people acquire HIV annually, highlighting insufficient access to proven prevention methods such as oral and injectable antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Despite this, only 5.9 million out of 7.5 million people living with HIV in the country are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), indicating a significant treatment gap.
To tackle this issue, medical scientists emphasize that an HIV vaccine will be crucial to eliminating transmission. Vaccines help the body learn to defend itself against disease without risking infection. The development of affordable and durable interventions is essential.
Recent advances in long-acting injectable PrEP have shown promise for reducing new infections, but their high cost poses a significant obstacle. Voluntary licensing agreements may make them more accessible, yet coverage alone cannot eliminate HIV.
An effective vaccine could provide long-lasting immunity and protect against infectious diseases. However, despite decades of research, no HIV vaccine candidate has shown substantial protective efficacy.
Global investment in HIV vaccine research is vital to meeting the United Nations’ goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Sufficient funding from African governments is critical, as the continent bears the greatest burden of HIV-related healthcare and economic costs.
African-led initiatives require scientific, political leadership, domestic investment, and sustained community engagement. Governments must prioritize vaccine research and development funding, empower local researchers, and leverage global partnerships to strengthen clinical infrastructure.
The growth of regional vaccine production facilities in Africa offers hope for an African-produced HIV vaccine. This approach can reduce dependency on external sources and ensure equitable distribution. With bold leadership and sustained investment, achieving an HIV vaccine is achievable, bringing the world closer to ending AIDS.
Source: https://theconversation.com/vaccines-can-put-an-end-to-hiv-african-governments-must-take-the-lead-in-developing-them-245008