HIV Vaccine Trials Halted as U.S. Funding Ends

An HIV vaccine research project in South Africa, poised to start clinical trials, faced a devastating setback when U.S. funding was withdrawn, imperiling years of work and potentially setting back global efforts to combat the pandemic.

Sudden Stop to BRILLIANT Project

Just days before clinical trials were set to commence, scientists involved in the BRILLIANT project received word that U.S. funding was being pulled, research in the region with the highest number of people living with HIV was put on hold.

The $46 million grant, part of broader cuts to foreign aid, abruptly ended the project’s promise. The move is part of a larger trend. In 2024, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) obligated $2.9 billion in HIV/AIDS assistance, a decrease of $250 million from 2023 (USAID).

Concerns Over Future Research Capabilities

Glenda Gray, who leads the BRILLIANT program, emphasized Africa’s essential role in HIV medication development, warning that these cuts jeopardize future research capabilities. “We do the trials better, faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the world, and so without South Africa as part of these programs, the world, in my opinion, is much poorer,” Gray stated.

She also highlighted South Africa’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, including testing the Johnson & Johnson and Novavax vaccines and identifying a key variant.

Researchers Face Job Losses

At the University of the Witwatersrand laboratory, technician Nozipho Mlotshwa, along with other young researchers, may soon lose their jobs due to the funding shortfall. Mlotshwa relies on her grant-funded position to support her family and education in a country with high youth unemployment.

“It’s very sad and devastating, honestly,” she said, expressing concern over the loss of collaboration opportunities with other scientists.

Halted Momentum and Scramble for Funds

Professor Abdullah Ely, leading the research team, reported promising results indicating immune responses from the vaccines. However, this momentum has been halted, and the BRILLIANT program is now desperately seeking alternative funding to salvage the project.

Key equipment purchases have been suspended, and South Africa’s health department reports approximately 100 HIV-related researchers have been laid off. Funding for postdoctoral students is also at risk.

Broader Impact on South Africa

South Africa’s government estimates that universities and science councils could lose around $107 million in U.S. research funding over the next five years. These cuts impact not only HIV research but also work on tuberculosis, another prevalent disease in the country.

The government anticipates difficulty in replacing the lost U.S. support. Furthermore, the number of HIV infections could rise as medication access becomes more challenging. Thousands of health workers in South Africa’s HIV program have already been laid off, along with data collectors and HIV counselors.

Government and International Response

Universities South Africa has requested over $110 million from the national treasury to support projects at major schools. Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS executive director, acknowledged the high stakes during a visit to South Africa, noting the risks to research and healthcare across Africa.

Byanyima noted that other countries dependent on U.S. funding are increasing their own contributions. “But let’s be clear, what they are putting down will not be funding in the same way that the American resources were funding,” she said.