Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology, which rose to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic, is now being repurposed by South African scientists to tackle one of the world’s oldest infectious diseases—tuberculosis.

At the Wits Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU), Dr Kristie Bloom leads efforts to develop a locally produced mRNA-based TB vaccine. Unlike traditional vaccines, which rely on weakened viruses, mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions that prompt the body to produce a harmless piece of the virus, training the immune system to respond.

This technology offers speed, adaptability, and potentially stronger immune responses. "We can manufacture mRNA vaccines rapidly and adjust them easily if pathogens mutate or emerge," says Bloom.

In collaboration with the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at the University of Cape Town, AGTRU is advancing two TB vaccine candidates. These vaccines aim to trigger the T-cell responses needed to overcome Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a pathogen responsible for 56,000 deaths in South Africa in 2023 alone.

Researchers believe that a successful vaccine could prevent up to 76 million TB cases and save 8.5 million lives over 25 years. “This isn’t just about innovation—it’s about self-reliance and equity in global health,” Bloom says.

New research from the Future Ecosystems for Africa program at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, has created the most accurate maps yet of where reforestation can effectively combat climate change.

The study identifies 195 million hectares globally where tree restoration will deliver maximum climate benefits without harming communities or ecosystems.

The study, published in Nature Communications and drawing from 89 previous research projects, provides the most comprehensive mapping yet of areas where reforestation can deliver optimal climate benefits while supporting wildlife habitat, food production, and freshwater availability.

A new species of velvet worm, Peripatopsis barnardi, represents the first ever species from the arid Karoo, which indicates that the area was historically more forested than at present. In the Cape Fold Mountains, we now know that every mountain peak has an endemic species. This suggests that in unsampled areas there are likely to be additional novel diversity, waiting to be found.

New research from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, has revealed that puff adders (Bitis arietans) can be highly efficient at controlling rodent populations that threaten agricultural production on the continent. 

The Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU) and the Synthetic Organic Chemistry Unit in the School of Chemistry at Wits have received one of six international innovation awards under the GIZ SAVax programme. Their project, Local large-scale production of ionisable lipids, secured a R7-million grant to develop vaccine-enabling compounds derived from cashew nutshell liquid – a by-product of the cashew industry that is abundant across Africa.

This breakthrough positions Wits and South Africa as a leader in developing bio-renewable materials for mRNA vaccines and supports the African Union’s target of producing 60% of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040. Currently, Africa produces only 1% of the vaccines it uses.

Advocates for the Prevention of HIV in Africa (APHA) announces that its co-founder and Executive Director, Yvette Raphael, has been awarded the prestigious Mani L. Bhaumik Breakthrough of the Year Award for her pivotal role in advancing HIV prevention through the development and testing of Lenacapavir, the revolutionary long-lasting HIV prevention drug.

The award, established by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), recognizes three key contributors to this medical breakthrough: Wesley Sundquist (University of Utah), who provided foundational scientific research; Moupali Das (Gilead Sciences), who championed clinical development; and Yvette Raphael, who ensured clinical trials were inclusive, ethical, and community-centered.

As Chair of the PURPOSE 1 Advisory Board, Raphael transformed clinical trial practices by insisting on the inclusion of young women, adolescents, and pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. This inclusive approach led to groundbreaking results: 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections with just two injections per year.

Raphael's leadership exemplifies how community engagement improves scientific outcomes. While celebrating this significant breakthrough, APHA acknowledges that more research is required to find an HIV vaccine and remains committed to ensuring these innovations become accessible to all who need them.

The organization recognizes that Raphael's work has required support from her Board, colleagues, program partners, fellow advocates, researchers, and communities, demonstrating that when scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and community advocates collaborate with mutual respect, extraordinary progress becomes possible.