Young scientists present new ideas at the CAPRISA annual strategic planning meeting

23 March 2023

The CAPRISA annual strategic planning meeting and long service held over two days in March at the Coastlands Musgrave hotel in Durban brought together senior scientists, collaborators, partners and fellows to present and interrogate new ideas in HIV prevention, TB treatment and Covid-19 research. The presentations structured in 5 sessions covered: Antibodies, HIV Vaccines and Pathogenesis; HIV and TB Treatment; Epidemiology and HIV Prevention, and Mucosal Immunology with 24 presentations on new ideas. 

Presentations included: Immune predictors of mucosal bNAb distribution (Dr Aida Sivro); DisCoVER study: Diversity, Integrations and sequencing characteristics of viruses emerging from the reservoir (Ms Lynn Tyers); REPORT study: Resistance profiling and treatment of complex DR-TB (Dr Rubeshan Perumal); Sustainability of research care standards following trial exit to sustain HIV free maternal and child survival (Dr Zulaykha Sarally-Moideen), and Reducing the impact of oncogenenic HPV on HIV acquisition (Prof Lenine Liebenberg). Prof Salim Abdool Karim said it was incredible to have young scientists present innovative ideas and participate in new knowledge generation. Abdool Karim presented 29 long service awards to staff for their loyalty and commitment at a gala dinner. 
At the Strategic Planning meeting. Photo top : (L-R): Mr Craig Heck, Professor Kogie Naidoo, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Professor Penny Moore.
Cover Photo(L-R): Ms Lara Lewis, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Dr Richard Lessells and Dr Rubeshan Perumal.
Photo on the left: 10 Years of Service: (L-R) Ms Rosemary Gazu, Professor Nigel Garrett, Professor Derseree Archary, Ms Marietjie Geldenhuys, Dr Ishana Harkoo and Ms Nompumelelo Zungu. Photo on the right: 5 Years of Service:  (L-R) Ms Martha Duma, Ms Yasmin Ismail, Ms Victoria Nxumalo and Ms Murielle Kabedi
 
5 Years of Service
Sitting (L-R): Ms Thobile Mhlongo, Ms Lungile Maziya, Ms Princess Ndwandwe, Ms Bongekile Zuma, Ms Silindile Cele, Ms Patricia Shelembe, Ms Primrose Mthalane, Ms Amanda Khuzwayo, and Ms Zaida Juggernath. Standing (L-R): Mr Sphelele Nzimande, Mr Siyabonga Mbatha, Mr Elphas Ngcobo, Mr Thokozani Malinga, Mr Dominic Shange, Ms Nompumelelo Khoza, Mr Siboniso Zondi, and Ms Lungile Maphumulo.