South African Medical Research Council

The South African Medical Research Council has given multimillion-rand, multi-year grants to five previously under-resourced universities. The proposals cover research areas such as HIV, indigenous medicines, cancer, environmental health and non-communicable diseases.

Medical research grants worth $8-million in first-year funding have been awarded by the National Institutes of Health and the South African Medical Research Council. They will target research into HIV and Aids, TB and cancers at eight South African institutions.

South African epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim has been appointed chair of the newly established UNAids Scientific Expert Panel, which will advise the organisation on scientific discoveries and strategic needs in Aids research.

South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology has thrown its weight behind the study of a small indigenous legume that, reports say, is effective in treating symptoms of HIV/Aids.
• Anti-Aids gel offers hope

The South African Medical Research Council has welcomed the approval of a new rapid test for tuberculosis that could revolutionise TB care and control. The test provides an accurate diagnosis in about 100 minutes, compared to current tests that take up to three months.