We partner with scientific leaders in Africa for relevant and sustainable vaccine discovery and development
Today, African researchers stand as peers alongside top global experts in HIV vaccine research and development. Together, we can accelerate breakthroughs and lead to a globally accessible and effective HIV vaccine and other biomedical innovations.
IAVI Africa brings together a diverse team with deep expertise in scientific research, operations, and stakeholder engagement. In collaboration with clinical research center partners across Africa, we focus on locally relevant research toward the development of vaccines and biomedical interventions for HIV, tuberculosis, neglected and emerging infectious diseases, snakebite, and antimicrobial resistance. IAVI Africa engages with communities and policymakers to promote policies bridging research to practice. Our core teams and offices in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa complement IAVI’s global outreach spanning Europe, India, and the U.S.
At a glance
years in Africa
partners, including clinical research centers
countries spanning Eastern, Western, & Southern Africa
specialists in Africa, with a broad spectrum of expertise
We have two decades of experience in conducting research and partnering in Africa
IAVI Africa, formerly IAVI Africa Program, began in 1999 with the goal of conducting HIV vaccine clinical trials and epidemiology studies through the partner clinical research center network, always upholding the highest technical and ethical standards. The program also sought to improve laboratory capabilities for clinical trials and research, while community engagement, advocacy, and policy initiatives remained central to promoting vaccine research. A key component of this work has always been partnering with African researchers to cultivate local scientific expertise and address research challenges. Today, this collaboration is known as IAVI Africa.
We conduct vaccine research tailored to local communities
IAVI Africa has championed a community engagement model that has enabled us to access and retain hard-to-reach communities in clinical trials. In addition, epidemiology studies in Africa reshaped how we understand HIV pathogenesis, with key discoveries now fueling clinical trials of HIV interventions in Africa. These trials are led by African scientists and focus on the safety and effectiveness of interventions for African populations.
We partner to turn science into action
Our robust partnerships with research regulators, policymakers, governments, scientists, activists, civil society organizations, influencers, and communities at national and international fronts help us fulfill our mission to translate scientific research into concrete action. Through proactive advocacy, policy, and public engagement initiatives, we lay the groundwork for impactful research outcomes through activities such as:
- Ensuring decision-makers have the information and evidence to make informed choices about supporting global health solutions.
- Developing guidelines for delivering prevention and treatment services in vulnerable communities.
- Championing the fulfillment of national commitments to increase domestic support for strengthening research.
- Contributing to efforts to harmonize regional research regulatory processes.
We strengthen local capacity and promote sustainability and self-sufficiency
IAVI Africa strengthens clinical capacity in Africa and promotes impactful and respectful global research partnerships, in line with Africa’s health security Agenda. This agenda aims to strengthen public health self-sufficiency, address global imbalances, and enhance Africa’s readiness and response to disease threats.
We strengthen capacity through:
- Funding research for career development by junior and middle-level scientists.
- Funding advanced degree pursuits for partner clinical research center staff.
- Writing and mentorship programs, such as a fellowship for research among adolescents.
- Leadership Development Program, which positions African scientists at the forefront of research direction.
- Transferring crucial technical skills to labs in Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa, including genome sequencing and flow cytometry.
Collaborate with us
At IAVI Africa, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge research and discovery for existing or emerging disease areas or translating research to policy and practice, we’re here and ready to connect. Together, we can propel scientific endeavors that drive transformative change in global health.
Reach outRead these IAVI co-authored policy publications
- National Guidance on Integrating Mental Health (2022)
- Factors which Contribute to or Inhibit Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Africa (2020)
- Health Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa (2019)
- The Path towards Harmonization of Ethics Review Frameworks in East Africa: Policy Brief (2018)
Check out the latest news
- IAVI and partners kick-start CELEBRATE study to explore acceptability and feasibility of bnAbs for infant HIV prevention
- IAVI and WomenLift Health announce partnership to promote women’s leadership in global health
- Championing domestic financing to promote a vibrant vaccine research and development enterprise in Africa