African scientists want governments to take charge of HIV cure research

What the report says

African scientists are pressing governments across the continent to take a bigger role in HIV cure research, arguing that Africa should help lead the search for a cure rather than mainly serve as a site for testing outside-developed ideas. The appeal was highlighted at the 2026 HIV Research Community Symposium in Kampala, Uganda, according to The Independent Uganda’s report dated August 6, 2026.

Dr. Albert Machinda of the Africa HIV Cure Consortium said the continent carries a major share of the global HIV burden and should reflect that reality in its research priorities. He argued that limited government policy support and weak domestic funding have slowed progress, and called for HIV cure research to be added to national strategic plans, backed by stronger regulation, research capacity, and local resource mobilization. He also urged deeper cooperation among governments, universities, private-sector actors, researchers, and communities affected by HIV.

The report noted that no broadly available HIV cure exists yet, though scientists say progress is being made. Dr. Machinda pointed to earlier highly specialized cures achieved in a small number of cases, while cautioning that those methods are not ready for wide use. He said clinical trials of new cure approaches could begin in coming years, but Africa should be part of leading and testing them, not waiting for solutions developed elsewhere.

Dr. George Ssenyange of the Joint Clinical Research Centre said a cure may still be years away and that antiretroviral therapy remains the mainstay of HIV care. HIV advocate Moses Nsubuga also urged people living with HIV not to stop treatment unless they are in approved research under medical supervision. In broader context, Africa bears the largest global HIV burden, which is why the report says local leadership in cure research could shape technologies to better fit regional needs.