President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon local scientists to expedite the development of an HIV/AIDS vaccine. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) 30th Anniversary celebrations, he emphasized the significance of vaccines in addressing epidemics and urged scientists to proactively tackle the HIV/AIDS challenge.
During his address, President Museveni expressed surprise at the lengthy duration it has taken to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine. He recalled the optimism during an AIDS Conference in Florence, Italy, where there was hope of identifying a common denominator in the virus despite its mutations. He urged scientists to awaken to this issue and not wait for others to solve it.
The President also inaugurated the first-ever bone marrow transplant center at the JCRC headquarters and laid the foundation stone for a proposed cell and gene therapy center. He underscored the importance of biotechnology and gene therapy, dispelling concerns that these practices interfere with nature, stating that they have been used for selective breeding in the agricultural sector.
Additionally, President Museveni recognized the contributions of partners like Dr. Manfred Dietrich, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others, in supporting research and clinical development.
Several individuals, including former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, former Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda His Lordship Steven Kavuma, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, Justice Epelu Opio, and Ben Luwum, were honored for their remarkable contributions to JCRC.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, acknowledged President Museveni’s leadership in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda and his commitment to ending AIDS by 2030. She highlighted the establishment of JCRC in 1992, emphasizing its role in finding scientific solutions to HIV/AIDS. The Minister praised the multi-sectoral approach adopted in partnership with development partners for the improvements in HIV/AIDS statistics in Uganda.
JCRC’s Executive Director, Dr. Cissy Kityo, highlighted the center’s pioneering efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including the use of HIV drugs in sub-Saharan Africa, reducing drug costs, and conducting groundbreaking research. She mentioned ongoing studies on new HIV drugs administered through injections every two months and various innovative testing methods.
