South Africa is still one of the global hotspots of the HIV epidemic. Among sub-Saharan countries, it is one of the countries with the highest HIV prevalence in the world. This leads to a significant reduction in the life expectancy of the South African population. Children in particular suffer from this, who are not only robbed of their future, but also of their childhood. The disease takes away their parents, often leaving them completely orphaned. The Ndlovu Care Group does what it can for these children. The holistic approach ranges from securing the housing situation to regular and healthy nutrition and school education. However, over the years it has become clear that this is not enough. The problem must be tackled at the root. Attempts are being made to contain the effects of the disease as much as possible and to prevent its spread through education and medication. But what do we know about this disease? Will it be possible to completely prevent or even cure the infection? We need to know more. And to gain knowledge, you have to research and observe.
The Ndlovu Care Group has significantly expanded its research infrastructure in recent years. Two new research centers have been built in Elandsdoorn. The latest combined research center and laboratory is due to open in September this year.
The Ndlovu Care Group aims to promote research capacity building in Africa, introduce academic and evidence-based working methods in the rural areas of Limpopo and provide the best conditions for the re-migration of professional skills to rural areas. To this end, an improved research infrastructure will be created and challenging research programs will be acquired.
Last year, the focus was on research into HIV prevention using a vaginal ring. The initial results were convincing and were presented in Boston last year. Now it is time to register the drug. Work is currently underway to set up a study for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, which has developed a vaccine against AIDS and is now moving on to human trials after the animal testing phase. We reported on this last week. Ndlovu is one of 12 laboratories conducting the trial. There are not many organizations in South Africa that can do this.
The construction of a new facility was overdue in order to be equipped for all these studies. The existing 48 square meter research laboratory has long been bursting at the seams. This is because the patient files from the supervised studies have to be stored for up to 15 years. Construction of the new building began in August last year. The first floor comprises 17 consultation rooms, 4 offices and a meeting room. A laboratory is located on the upper floor. 512 square meters are now available for comprehensive studies and examinations. The equipment is of the highest quality and state-of-the-art to ensure that it is also well equipped for future studies. There is even an access ramp for wheelchairs. The Research Center is probably the only one in rural Africa that also has a plasma storage facility. Six refrigerators at -84 degrees Celsius and one at -125 degrees Celsius are available for storing the cells here.
The construction costs, on the other hand, were comparatively low: developed and designed in-house, built using only craftsmen from the community. This is also in line with the Ndlovu Care Group’s principle of supporting the local community. Only the polyvinyl for the floor, the glass and aluminum were purchased professionally. The investment costs amounted to less than half a million euros. The entire Research Center is solar-powered and thus reduces CO2 emissions. This makes it the first of its kind in rural Africa.
The upfront investment is high, but it is an investment in the future. The opportunities offered by this field of research are enormous. It is not only the local people who can be helped. The findings are transferable – throughout Africa as well as to the entire industrialized world, where AIDS may not be an everyday threat but is a reality for many that cannot be minimized. This research at least secures a future for local children.
