NIH Rescinds Funding Ban on South Africa, Reviving Vital Research
By Editor • August 25, 2026 • 2 min read
In a significant turnaround, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has lifted an 18-month ban on funding research in South Africa, a decision that comes as a relief for many in the scientific community. The ban, enacted in January 2025, had dire consequences for HIV and TB research, leading to halted clinical trials and job losses among researchers across the nation.
According to an internal memo from NIH director Jay Bhattacharya, dated August 17, 2026, the agency will now allow funding for 'meritorious research projects' in South Africa. This shift follows extensive negotiations led by Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in biomedical research.
Ntusi noted that South Africa's role as a contributor to global health research, rather than merely a recipient of aid, should be acknowledged. He expressed optimism about the NIH's decision, stating, "No country can ever solve the challenges of global health alone… We need scientific collaboration to drive scientific progress."
Linda-Gail Bekker, director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, highlighted the impact of the funding halt, which forced the center to downsize due to its reliance on NIH support. While some funding has come from the SAMRC, it has not compensated for the loss of NIH grants. Bekker remains hopeful, noting that previous collaborations had led to significant advancements in HIV and TB research.
However, experts like Landon Myer from the University of Cape Town urge caution. He points out that while the memo is a positive development, practical implications remain uncertain. The NIH's internal challenges, including layoffs and budget constraints, may affect future collaborations.
As the scientific community in South Africa looks to rebuild, funding from various sources, including R600-million raised by the SAMRC, aims to alleviate some of the disruptions caused by the NIH's previous funding cessation.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
