Remarks by Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor MP, at the launch of the South African HIV and AIDS Research and Innovation Platform (SHARP), Hilton Hotel, Sandton

Programme Director
Executive directors and event organisers
Distinguished guests and delegates
Ladies and gentlemen

The launch of the South African HIV and AIDS Research and Innovation Platform (SHARP), is an important occasion in the history of HIV/AIDS research in South Africa.

SHARP is one of the many South African government initiatives to fight against the scourge of AIDS.

Since it was first described in 1981, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people worldwide. Recent statistics indicate that at the end of 2007, 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV or AIDS and 22 million of them were in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scientists around the world are working hard to find effective ways of stopping the spread of the pandemic. Their efforts include research into vaccines, new and affordable treatments, prevention options and behavioural modifications.

South Africa has world-class scientists and an infrastructure that has been used productively in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Last week we launched the phase 1 clinical trials of the first HIV vaccine designed by African scientists. However, the actual development of an effective vaccine will take many more years and the collaborative efforts of our country's best scientists. In the meantime, South Africa is investigating every possible avenue to beat the virus.

It’s heartening to see that South Africans are starting to take the seriousness of HIV and AIDS to heart, gradually modifying their lifestyles in ways that bring down the incidence of HIV in the country.

Statistics from a recently released Human Science Research Council (HSRC) report show that HIV prevalence in the total South African population has stabilised at a level of abound 11 per cent.

Moreover, there has been a decline in HIV prevalence among young people aged between 15 and 24, from 10,3% in 2005 to 8,6% in 2008, which is good news.

However, between 2002 and 2008 there was an overall increase of 1,3% in adults of 25 and older.

What is encouraging, though, is the fact that the number of people, especially young people, who reported using a condom in their most recent sexual encounters, has increased dramatically, which indicates that we are getting the “safe sex” message across.

This offers some hope in our fight against AIDS, but the statistics show that the prevalence is still far too high, and we will have to intensify our efforts in all spheres of HIV research.

The Department of Science and Technology commits R45 million to SHARP over a three-year period.

Current international trends emphasise the need to promote new ideas and approaches in the fight against HIV; and to give a platform to young researchers, who might come up with different, even radically different approaches, some of which could have the desired effect.

Certainly SHARP has been established with this in mind. It provides a platform for all South Africans performing research into the prevention or treatment of HIV and AIDS. It also aims to give opportunities to young researchers who might not yet be established in the field, but who have bright ideas that deserve support.

SHARP is intended to provide a platform for evidence based solutions that will contribute to the HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Strategic Plan for South Africa for 2007 to 2011. SHARP aims to do this through scientific and technological advancement to support all aspects of the fight against HIV and AIDS, from the development of new drugs and phyto-therapies, to diagnostic tests and vaccines.

My department has established SHARP as part of carrying out its mandate to ensure a better life for all South Africans through the use of science and technology. Stakeholders in both the public and the private sectors were consulted during the establishment process to determine priority areas in the HIV and AIDS research field.

The Department of Science and Technology has committed a total of R45 million to SHARP over a three-year period. It will also call on other partners to join in funding SHARP.

I would like to close by thanking you all for attending this function, and for your valued involvement in our efforts to beat HIV and AIDS.

Thank you.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
28 July 2009
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)

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