Research in high-impact factor journals:

Lancet Infectious Diseases (IF - 71,421)

Lancet Infectious Diseases (IF - 71,421)

Wits Researchers involved: Nelesh Govender

Fungal infections are common causes of death and morbidity in those with advanced HIV infection. Data on access to diagnostic tests in Africa are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal infections in advanced HIV disease in Africa.

This study is a continent-wide survey by collecting data from 48 of 49 target countries across Africa with a population of more than 1 million; for Lesotho, only information on the provision of cryptococcal antigen testing was obtained

Data were collected between Oct 1, 2020, and Oct 31, 2022 in the 48 target countries We found that cryptococcal antigen testing is frequently accessible to 358·39 million (25·5%) people in 14 African countries here was a moderate correlation between antiretroviral therapy usage and external expenditure on HIV care (R2=0 42) but almost none between external expenditure and AIDS death rate (R2=0 18), when analysed for 40 African countries

This survey highlights the enormous challenges in the diagnosis of HIV-associated Pneumocystis pneumonia, cryptococcal disease, histoplasmosis, and other fungal infections in Africa Urgent political and global health leadership could improve the diagnosis of fungal infections in Africa, reducing avoidable deaths. *Read full study

Wits Researchers involved: Bavesh Kana, Patrick Arbuthnot, Yahya Choonara, Precious Matsoso, Penny Moore, Kubendran Naidoo, Margareth Ndomondo-Sigonda, Shabir Madhi

The COVID-19 pandemic heralded unprecedented resource mobilisation and global scientific collaboration to rapidly develop effective vaccines. Regrettably, vaccine distribution has been inequitable, particularly in Africa where manufacturing capacity remains nominal.

To address this, several initiatives are underway to develop and manufacture COVID-19 vaccines in Africa Nevertheless, diminishing demand for COVID19 vaccines, the cost competitiveness of producing goods locally, intellectual property rights issues, and complex regulatory environments among other challenges can undermine these ventures. We outline how extending COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Africa to include diverse products, multiple vaccine platforms, and advanced delivery systems will ensure sustainability

Possible models, including leveraging public–academic–private partnerships to enhance success of vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa are also discussed Intensifying research in vaccine discovery on the continent could yield vaccines that further bolster sustainability of local production, ensuring greater pandemic preparedness in resourceconstrained environments, and long-term health systems security *Read full study