The University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) has ramped up its efforts in the search for a cure for HIV, as part of Zimbabwe’s bold commitment to eliminate the virus as a public health threat by the year 2030.
Renowned for its pioneering work in medical research, UZ-CTRC has been a key player not only in HIV treatment and prevention but also in addressing broader health challenges including tuberculosis (TB), COVID-19, and cancer. Its role in shaping public health policy through research and innovation continues to place Zimbabwe at the forefront of HIV response in the Southern African region.
Speaking during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Education held in Harare, senior research nurse Vanessa Gatsi underlined the centre’s contributions to advancing HIV prevention technologies.
“Because of our research, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to approve the Dapivirine vaginal ring and injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis),” Gatsi noted.
UZ Intensifies HIV Cure Research as Country Targets 2030 Elimination Goal
She explained that UZ-CTRC went further than just research; it also played a major role in training healthcare providers on administering the injectable medication and offering counselling to help clients choose the prevention method that best suited their needs. This direct engagement helped improve uptake and acceptance of new HIV prevention tools across various communities.
The centre’s research outcomes have not only informed public health guidelines in Zimbabwe but have also helped influence international health standards. UZ-CTRC was instrumental in supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care to introduce universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) — now globally accepted as the foundation for the “treatment as prevention” strategy. This approach reduces HIV transmission by suppressing viral loads in those infected.
The centre also played a pivotal role in developing national protocols for PreP access for adults, and the use of nevirapine to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during breastfeeding and childbirth.
Looking to the future, UZ-CTRC is leading studies on the next generation of HIV prevention technologies. These include monoclonal antibodies, which are being evaluated for their ability to prevent HIV infection in both adults and infants. These lab-engineered antibodies mimic the body’s natural immune response and are being heralded as one of the most promising tools in the global fight against HIV.
“Our goal is to reduce new HIV infections through the most advanced scientific tools available,” said Caroline Mugocha, a research counsellor at UZ-CTRC.
She added that the centre is actively involved in clinical trials testing several HIV vaccine candidates developed by international and African scientists — a step forward in the long-awaited dream of achieving total immunity against HIV.
One of UZ-CTRC’s notable strengths has been its close working relationship with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). This partnership ensures that new HIV prevention tools being trialled are swiftly reviewed and approved for use once found to be safe and effective.
“Our collaboration with MCAZ has been key in helping Zimbabwe become the first country on the continent to register and approve groundbreaking prevention products,” Mugocha explained. “It’s a unique model that accelerates access to life-saving innovations.”
The work being done by UZ-CTRC is particularly crucial as Zimbabwe pushes to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030. These targets aim for:
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95% of all people living with HIV to know their status,
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95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and
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95% of those on treatment to have their viral load suppressed.
While significant progress has been made toward achieving these goals, thousands of new infections are still recorded annually — underscoring the need for continued research and access to new prevention strategies.
As HIV remains a critical public health issue in Southern Africa, the work of UZ-CTRC represents a beacon of hope. Its cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and community-based outreach programs are vital components of the national HIV strategy.
With ongoing investments and an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, UZ-CTRC is helping to reshape the future of HIV prevention and treatment — not just for Zimbabwe, but for the entire region. Its efforts are a testament to the possibility that, with the right tools and determination, a world free of HIV is within reach.
