UKZN launches new HIV research clinic
The research clinic was launched at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi by the UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme.
THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) launched a new HIV research clinic at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
The clinic will be used to run clinical trials like the Acute Infection Study, Elite Controller Study, and Lymph Node Study.
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The university said the study volunteers will be counselled and consent to provide samples to advance biomedical research at UKZN. Postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and researchers in the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital will utilise the samples to conduct research.
The clinic will also offer counselling and health education, as well as free HIV tests to patients visiting the hospital including the study volunteers. It is a platform for engagement between scientists and the Umlazi community in which the hospital is situated. The programme has a long-standing relationship with the hospital administrators and the community.
Head of the clinic, Professor Thumbi Ndung’u expressed gratitude to the HPP staff for their resilience dating back to the year 2000 when the programme was established. He applauded them for their contribution to the fight against HIV, adding, “This would not have been possible without the long-standing partnership and support from the KZN Department of Health and UKZN.”
“As a hospital we will continue to support the HPP. The research conducted here assists and guides our prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies in fighting HIV,” said hospital CEO, Dr MG Khawula.
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