The United States (US) National Institutes of Health (NIH) has lifted its far-reaching ban on funding scientific research in South Africa (SA), reopening the door for critical joint medical and health projects.
According to a report by the Journal Science, an internal memo issued by NIH Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya clarifies that NIH research grants are exempt from the broad executive order halting foreign aid and assistance to SA. In the memo, Bhattacharya explained that NIH grants are designed to “foster global scientific exchange” and are distinct from traditional foreign assistance, noting that US law explicitly authorises international research collaborations.
Under the clarified directive, meritorious research projects in SA are permitted to proceed, provided they undergo standard NIH and US State Department reviews and demonstrate a clear potential to generate knowledge that advances global or public health.
The decision offers significant relief to SA’s scientific community, particularly in collaborative fields like HIV, tuberculosis, and epidemiology that faced major disruption following the initial freeze.
–ChannelAfrica–
