Africa Clinical Research Centers

A network of independent, interconnected research centers in sub-Saharan Africa plays a pivotal role in sustainable vaccine discovery and development 

Over the past two decades, IAVI has formed partnerships with local research institutions to plan and execute vaccine trials in developing countries, where the need for vaccines is most urgent. These centers of excellence, located in five sub-Saharan African countries (Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia), have been instrumental in IAVI’s vaccine development efforts. They have been involved in evaluating HIV vaccine candidates and conducting epidemiological studies, which provide essential data for vaccine design and shape the direction of future efficacy trials.  

The partner clinical research centers (CRCs) in East and Southern Africa were pioneers in conducting Phase 1 HIV vaccine clinical trials in Africa, adhering to the highest international standards. This was made possible with the support of the United States Agency for International Development through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This network is now conducting clinical trials of vaccine candidates to prevent tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases. 

At a glance


11

clinical research center partners

200+

scientific researchers

20+

years of collaboration with IAVI

20+

HIV prevention/vaccine-related studies

Africa CRC locations


Part Of The Aurum Institute Rustenberg Team On 23rd August 2022

Our partner CRCs are led by highly skilled principal investigators with expertise in guiding clinical trials

The CRCs encompass a wide array of talent, from seasoned principal investigators to early- and mid-career research scientists, including laboratory technologists, clinical trial managers, scientists pursuing post-doctoral studies, medical professionals, senior scientists, and post-docs. This diversity spans both basic and translational research. 

The CRCs have adopted a unique approach to community engagement, working with priority populations. This engagement ensures community support for vaccine research and development, accelerates trial enrollment, maintains high participant retention rates, and simultaneously provides at-risk populations with linkage to vital services. 

Learn more about each CRC and their work


The Aurum Institute

Rustenburg & Tembisa, South Africa 

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Center for Family Health Research (CFHR)

Kigali, Rwanda  

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Center for Family Health Research in Zambia (CFHRZ)

Lusaka & Ndola, Zambia 

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Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF)

Cape Town, South Africa 

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KAVI-Institute for Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR)

Nairobi, Kenya  

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Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Kilifi, Kenya 

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Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Uganda/London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit on AIDS (MRC/UVRI/LSHTM)

Entebbe (HQ), Masaka, Kampala, Uganda 

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The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

Johannesburg, South Africa 

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Uganda Virus Research Institute-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program (UVRI-IAVI)

Entebbe, Uganda

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University of KwaZulu-Natal HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP)

Durban, South Africa

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