by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, funding, government, healthcare and medicine, news
Letters canceling funding, which abruptly halts millions of rand worth of HIV and TB research grants sponsored by the U.S. government at South African universities, began arriving over the weekend. According to an impacted researcher, it’s expected that more than 300 such grants will be terminated by the end of Sunday. This situation has significant repercussions for higher education and research institutions, including substantial job cuts.
Certain specialists approximate that around 70% of South Africa’s medical research funding, equivalent to approximately $400 million (roughly R7.2 billion) including both primary and subsidiary grants from the previous fiscal year, originates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH comprises numerous components supporting this significant contribution.
27 institutes and centres
Each initiative targets a particular field of study. The NIH funds roughly seventy-five percent of global biomedical research.
On Friday night, the University of the Witwatersrand hosted an event.
Wits Health Consortium
The unit responsible for managing the institution’s clinical trials and donor-funded initiatives has received termination notices for all parts of a $2.5 million (approximately R460 million) grant, which concludes in November 2027. This particular grant was provided via the NIH.
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
.
Letters canceling funding, issued on behalf of the chief grants management officer at USAID, Emily Linde, appear to follow a typical format. These letters inform researchers that their projects “fail to advance understanding of biological processes, yield minimal financial benefits, and do not improve public well-being, longevity, or disease reduction.” Additionally, they suggest these initiatives may negatively impact “the wellbeing of American citizens.”
The Wits project was conducted
by lead researchers Helen Rees, who heads the
Wits Reproductive Health Institute
, with Ian Sanne leading the Clinical HIV Research Unit and now also contributing to the international development organization,
Palladium
as its
chief medical officer
.
Ironically, our grant concluded on Human Rights Day, a time meant for aiding and protecting those who are most susceptible,” Sanne said to Bhekisisa. “Now, however, the U.S. government is compelling us to act contrary to these principles. Abruptly halting study participation could place trial volunteers in harm’s way. Does this align with global ethical standards for human research?
The study, ongoing since 2007, came under the
The Wits Research Group Clinical Trials Unit,
and carried out HIV and TB prevention and treatment studies, along with clinical trials for hepatitis and HIV-associated cancers.
Letters of termination were received on Human Rights Day
Other grants that have apparently been terminated up until now encompass research initiatives at the
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
by Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Several South African universities, which received sub-grants for health research from U.S. institutions like Columbia University in New York, received cease-and-desist directives on Friday following the loss of funding by the American entities. At present, these South African organizations wish to remain unnamed.
Science magazine
reports
The ex-leader of the South African Medical Research Council, Glenda Gray was informed that her $3.1 million (approximately R56.5 million) grant for a clinical trial unit in Soweto [operated via Wits] has shifted from an approved to a pending status.
The
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
By Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, who receive substantial funding from the NIH, is currently on high alert. “So far, we haven’t gotten any notices of termination for our NIH grants,” said Salim Abdool Karim to Bhekisisa early Sunday morning.
TB funding ends as the US confronts TB outbreaks.
Throughout the years, certain HIV prevention research conducted within Sanne’s and Rees’s initiative has focused on populations more susceptible to contracting HIV. These include adolescent girls and young women in Africa, transgender individuals, and female sex workers.
The cancellation email mentioned that their “award no longer aligns with agency goals” and noted that “research programs focused mainly on artificial and nonscientific criteria, such as vague equity aims, go against scientific exploration, fail to broaden our understanding of living organisms, yield minimal benefits for investments made, and ultimately do not improve health outcomes, extend lifespan, or decrease illnesses.”
Worst of all, the note said, “so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) studies are often used to support unlawful discrimination on the basis of race and other protected characteristics, which harms the health of Americans. Therefore, it is the policy of NIH not to prioritise such research programmes.
The allusions in the letter to diversity, equity, and inclusion probably pertain to the work conducted at Wits regarding transgender individuals and female sex workers—categories of people disapproved of by the Trump administration.
On the evening of his inauguration, which took place on January 20, the president
signed an executive order
banning people’s right to identify as transgender or non-binary individuals. There are only two genders, the executive order declared: male and female.
However, Sanne argues that the mentions of DEI in their letter are not logical. Despite having conducted some studies on communities like transgender individuals and sex workers, much of their work centers around developing efficient treatments for pediatric tuberculosis and improving medications for those with multi-drug resistant TB, along with focusing on preventative measures against TB.
In numerous aspects, our work aligns perfectly with President Trump’s vision of ‘making America great.’ It enhances American safety, strength, and prosperity by safeguarding citizens from tuberculosis-related illnesses. Moreover, a significant portion of the patents and intellectual property for the novel medications we evaluate belong to U.S.-based firms.
SUBHEAD: Experts weigh in
Linda-Gail Bekner, who leads the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation at the University of Cape Town and also obtains NIH funding, cautions that this further setback to our clinical research sector occurs when new TB infections are ”
are at their peak levels in many years within the USA
”.
Kansas is presently experiencing the biggest tuberculosis outbreak that the United States has witnessed in this period.
past 30-40 years
(TB is a condition that has been well-managed in the U.S. for many years.) Furthermore,
60TB of data related to disease cases, along with two fatalities, have been reported.
.
By Saturday, Bekker hadn’t gotten a cancellation letter regarding her grant, yet she states: “Reducing the impact of HIV and TB epidemics to the point where they no longer pose a major public health risk is a matter of worldwide importance. South Africa has taken considerable steps and made notable contributions toward advancing this cause.”
Yogan Pillay, who leads HIV and TB initiatives at the Gates Foundation – an organization that also supports HIV andTB research and stands to be affected by U.S. government budget reductions – cautions: “These cuts will halt progress in both prevention and treatment of HIV. As a result, eradicating or even controlling AIDS has become nothing more than an illusion, with HIV continuing to proliferate.”
“It’s absolutely tragic.”
Trump stated, “Corrective action cannot be taken here.”
The Wits project conducted significant TB research. One
study
Published in February and featured on the NIH website, this study examined the effectiveness of administering double doses of the antiretroviral medication dolutegravir in TB patients.
Previous trials looked at
How secure was it for expectant mothers with HIV to use preventative tuberculosis medication?
, at how effective long-acting, injectable versions of antiretroviral therapy are
worked for teens
And how effective this bi-monthly HIV injection is
worked
.
Sanne states, “It’s unimaginable that [the alleged] Elon Musk-led governmental office for efficiency doesn’t grasp that there is more going on beyond merely DEI initiatives through HIV and various other research endeavors.”
The email stated: “While NIH typically opts for suspending (instead of outright terminating) a grant and provides the recipient a chance to undertake necessary corrective actions prior to making a final termination decision, such measures cannot be taken in this instance.”
The essence of this award is at odds with the agency’s goals, and no changes to the project would bring it in line with these priorities.
Terminations not unexpected
However, the termination of the grants was not unforeseen — or at least not since last week.
On March 12,
Science magazine reported
Matthew Memoli, who was serving as the acting director of the NIH, requested officials at the institute to assemble lists of grants related to South Africa. This email mirrored the phrasing used in previous NIH inquiries that resulted in the cancellation of numerous grants focused on areas such as transgender health, vaccine hesitance, and others not supported by the current administration.
At least
300 US university projects
have also had their grants revoked by the Trump administration, with numerous institutions being US universities.
resulting in demonstrations throughout the United States
.
These terminations are part of what the Trump administration views as cost-saving measures or research that doesn’t align with their beliefs, and such cuts are expected to keep happening globally.
SA researchers have initiated discussions with philanthropic foundations and the government to provide financial support, according to Sanne, who notes that “there haven’t been definite results” yet.
Projects in South Africa that received cancellation notices were informed that they had the opportunity to “contest and submit data and documents refuting” their termination decisions.
However, they must initially go through a “first-level grant appeal process” which needs to be completed before they can proceed to “file an appeal with the departmental appeals board.”
If projects decide to contest the decision, they must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving their termination notice.
Sanne mentions his intention to utilize the appeals process, and should those efforts not succeed, he aims to negotiate an ethical and responsible method for terminating the trials. “Our research saves lives, and the NIH has supported us in this endeavor,” he states. “Now, what we must do is persuade them of the importance of continuing our work instead of ending decades of investment which could lead to the loss of many lives.”
The Gates Foundation is referenced in this piece. Although Bhekisisa receives financial support from the Foundation, it maintains its independence in editing and content decisions.
This tale was crafted by the
Bhekisisa Center for Health Journalism
. Register for the
newsletter
.
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Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, government, politics, politics and government, politics and law
-
Former Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru has sharply criticized President William Ruto and his supporters.
-
She alleged that Meru officials supporting Ruto were focusing more on her removal from office rather than delivering services.
-
Mwangasa mockingly proposed that the leaders of Meru should ask the president to initiate her own impeachment proceedings, presenting it as their sole accomplishment.
The LIFEHACK.co.ke correspondent Ivan Mboto boasts more than three years of expertise in covering political and contemporary issues within Kenya.
The former governor of Meru, Kawira Mwangaza, has launched a scathing critique against President William Ruto and his political associates, with particular focus on individuals hailing from Meru County.
Mwangaza issued a sharply-worded statement accusing the area’s chosen officials of neglecting their duties as outlined in the constitution and instead focusing on removing her from power.
She mourned that for more than two and a half years, their main concern had been her impeachment, leaving crucial developmental issues impacting locals unresolved.
On her official Facebook page, Mwangaza didn’t mince words as she accused the region’s entire leadership of being involved in an unrelenting effort to remove her from office.
According to her, the combined effort of all these leaders had yielded only one tangible result: her impeachment.
“I specifically highlight that the 11 Members of Parliament, along with a Senator, present and past Cabinet Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries, and 47 Members of County Assembly, working together for two and a half years, have managed to accomplish just one initiative—the impeachment process of Governor Kawira Mwangaza,” she stated.
Her comment seemed to directly address Ruto’s forthcoming development visit to the Mount Kenya area, encompassing Meru County.
With a touch of sarcasm aimed at the county’s leaders, she quipped that the sole achievement they felt confident enough to offer the president for inauguration was her impeachment.
“As we anticipate President Ruto’s developmental visit to the Mount Kenya region, specifically Meru County, the sole initiative that leaders can confidently showcase for his inauguration and endorsement is my impeachment process,” she stated additionally.
What were the reasons for Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment?
Following her impeachment, Mwangaza commented on the persistent deep political divides that have existed in Meru County since she took office.
During her term, she frequently clashed with the County Assembly, resulting in two impeachment efforts; the second attempt was successful in removing her from office.
During her tenure in office, she consistently claimed that she was a target of a political witch hunt, frequently accusing prominent individuals of engineering her demise.
After a majority of members in the County Assembly sided with her impeachment, Mwangaza was ousted from office. Among the 69 Members of County Assembly, 49 backed the motion, 17 were against it, and three chose not to vote.
She faced allegations of abusing her position, engaging in serious misconduct, and breaching the Constitution along with other statutes. This motion, proposed by Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya, represented the fifth bid to remove her from office and stood as the third time a governor had been successfully impeached within the county’s timeline.
Mwangaza claims Ruto was involved in her dismissal.
Previously, Kawira Mwangaza asserted that the Kenya Kwanza administration was involved in her dismissal, describing it as politically driven. She alleged that her ousting was masterminded by male adversaries and high-ranking politicians who were retaliating against her refusal to submit to political exploitation.
She claimed that the administration meddled with the judicial proceedings, making sure that the concerns of Meru inhabitants were disregarded. Mwangaza stated that even the judiciary was swayed to impede her from obtaining justice.
Pointing to the swearing-in of her former deputy, Isaac Mutuma, she claimed those behind her ouster were present. She also suggested gender bias played a role in her removal.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | children and families, controversies, courts, laws and regulations, society
The judge said anonymous surrogacy arrangements prevent the court from ascertaining that the mother knows and consents to the application.
A
British High Court of Justice
has sparked concerns regarding the risks associated with anonymous surrogacy following a case where a Nigerian couple faced difficulties in obtaining official parenting rights for their child because there were no traceable records of the surrogate mother.
In anonymous surrogacy agreements, the intended parents and the surrogate do not disclose their personal information to one another and may have minimal direct interaction.
Such arrangements typically involve the assistance of surrogacy agencies or legal intermediaries. For the couple known as Mr. and Mrs. Houldsworth, the facilitation was handled by Lifelink Fertility Clinic, a medical center located in Lagos, Nigeria.
Nevertheless, in a decision issued last month, President Andrew McFarlane of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice stated that issues might emerge when prospective parents choose surrogacy arrangements with an anonymous surrogate’s identity unknown.
Mr. McFarlane stated that anonymous surrogacy agreements hinder the court’s ability to ensure that the mother is aware of and agrees to the application.
The UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 2008 requires that both unconditional and fully informed consent must be obtained.
The judge stated that the couple’s actions raise suspicion that the arrangement might not be as it has been claimed to be.
Although Mr and Mrs H have outlined their reasons for choosing anonymous surrogacy, this choice has led to significant challenges in submitting the current application.
A complicated surrogacy journey
Mr. and Mrs. Houldsworth, residents of the UK, faced significant legal challenges in obtaining formal parental recognition for their child. This ordeal persisted for approximately two years until a judge delivered his decision last month.
As per the legal papers acquired by PREMIUM TIMES, the pair chose surrogacy in 2022 following unsuccessful attempts at other medical solutions.
They formed an agreement with Lifelink Fertility Clinic in Nigeria, following the direction of its medical director, and chose anonymous surrogacy, a practice permitted in Nigeria.
The legal papers indicated that the pair fulfilled all necessary paperwork at the Nigerian courthouse, though the surrogate’s identity was kept confidential during the entire procedure.
The Houldsworths opted for this decision to steer clear of the conflicts typically linked to surrogacy involving a surrogate mother and the intended parents.
An embryo transplant occurred in mid-2022, and a baby girl was born in 2023. The couple was present during childbirth. Mrs Houldsworth also took a maternity leave and remained in Nigeria for eight months following the birth.
Trouble started once the newly returned parents initiated efforts to obtain legal status in the UK after coming back to the country.
The fertilisation law
According to the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 2008, the surrogate mother needs to give her unambiguous and fully-informed consent prior to a parental order being granted to the intended parents.
For Mr and Mrs Houldsworth, the surrogate mother chose to remain anonymous, initiating a complex surrogacy process for them that spanned over two years.
In 2023, the couple officially submitted their request for legal parenthood through a parental order application accompanied by a statutory declaration; however, they were not granted instant approval.
In his ruling, which approved a parental order for the couple, the judge warned that their experience should act as a deterrent for parents thinking about anonymous surrogacy, especially within international contexts such as those found in Nigeria.
The judge pointed out that although the anonymity was meant to offer mental tranquility and prevent further responsibilities, it ended up causing legal hurdles that might make parental acknowledgment more complicated.
The case arises as the UK continues to be watchful about international surrogacy and adoption, maintaining specific limitations for adoptions from Nigeria because of worries related to untrustworthy paperwork and possible corruption, according to the judge.
Judge Mr McFarlane stated that individuals following him in the future should consider avoiding interaction with an unnamed intermediary.
The judge stated, “After gradually receiving fragments of information and evidence from Mr and Mrs H through multiple hearings, and especially after finally reviewing the alleged surrogacy contract, the court is now able to rule on the application.”
He stated that although the law requires the provision, it includes an exemption for instances where a suitable surrogate cannot be located.
After examining copious evidence such as bank statements, WhatsApp messages, and various documents pertaining to the surrogacy, he concluded that the couple’s attempts to contact the surrogate mothers were unsuccessful.
This occurs amid increased scrutiny of both international surrogacy and adoption practices.
The judge mentioned that there are already limitations on adoptions from Nigeria because of worries about untrustworthy paperwork and possible bribery.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | camping, community, controversies, environmentalism, recreation and leisure activities
A county council in County Antrim is looking into a glamping location after claims surfaced that it violated planning regulations.
Cotters Park, located close to Randalstown, was proposed to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as a “back-to-nature, sustainable” destination for food tourism.
However, residents in the vicinity have referred to it as a “loud party location” and a “nightmare field.”
A representative from A Cotters Park stated that they have “carried out an extensive planning process,” and they aim to “promote environmentally conscious” tourism in the region.
The proprietors of Cotters Park initially proposed a ‘culinary tourism idea,’ which involved hosting cooking demo evenings led by nearby culinary experts for guests.
A planning document stated that visitors would have the chance to taste regional products and buy goods from the nearby farm store.
Since its inauguration in December 2023, it has been home to bridal showers, weddings, and various gatherings featuring DJs, bands, and live performances.
These activities were not included as possible uses in the initial planning application, and Cotters Park did not refute them occurring when questioned by LIFEHACKNI.
Posts on social media advertised “catering, entertainment, bar services, etc.,” however, Cotters Park lacked an entertainment license.
A cabin was constructed at the center of an island within the development area, with the developer stating that it would “stay undisturbed” for the sake of local wildlife.
The cabin was advertised on social media as a “bar and event venue” or “partying area on the island.”
Locals sometimes say it embraced a “Love Island theme.”
The Residents Against Cotters Park organization stated: “The construction completed hardly resembles what was approved in terms of size and purpose.”
The site received approval for six pods and a welcome center, yet there are presently seven pods serving as accommodations onsite.
Additionally, there are saunas, hot tubs, and other facilities that were not initially authorized.
Cotters Park is seeking approval for retroactive planning permissions to keep those.
Neighbors have likened the location to an airport runway and mention that the brightly lit decorations are considerably diminishing the region’s rustic ambiance.
They have expressed concerns that the neon lights installed at the fronts of the cabins are affecting wildlife.
A study on ecological impact released in February revealed that “there has been a significant decrease in both the number of bats and their level of activity…”
The report stated that this largely stems from the inadequate present conditions of amenity lighting.
‘A living nightmare’
Bernie Crossan, who belongs to the local opposition group, stated that the developer has carried out nearly unrestricted development of the area, greatly exceeding the planning permissions that were approved.
“The establishment has become a nightmarish reality for numerous long-term local inhabitants,” stated Ms. Crossan.
She emphasized that we urgently require the local Council’s intervention to bring an end to this torment.
The Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has stated that the location is still undergoing an enforcement inquiry.
A representative further stated: “The council treats all aspects of enforcement with seriousness and is unable to share particular details regarding the investigation… as doing so might adversely affect potential legal actions.”
Local politician ‘somewhat misled’
The Alliance Party MLA John Blair had formerly backed the project but expressed that he now feels “misinformed” regarding its planned purpose.
“As evident, what has occurred significantly deviates from what was initially promised to me,” he stated to LIFEHACKNews NI.
Neon lighting, themed parties, live music, and light pollution are completely different from my expectations. Furthermore, an island that was advertised to me as a natural attraction has now been developed.
Mr Blair stated that the development “does not align with sustainable rural development and rural economic goals as it lacks suitability and proportionality.”
‘Committed to environmental stewardship’
A representative from Cotters Park stated that they “carried out an extensive planning process.”
The council carried out an assessment at Cotters Park and determined that the authorized cabins meet both the planning consent conditions and the stipulations set forth by the Caravan Act. They also mentioned that Cotters Park is collaborating with the council regarding another planning submission for the location.
Past social media mentions of bars, events, or party spaces at the location have been taken down, and a liquor license is unnecessary since alcohol isn’t provided at Cotters Park.
Cotters Park stated that they have recently installed “lighting with red bulbs, low wattage, and hoods to increase wildlife and bat activity in the vicinity.”
The representative further stated that Cotters Park is dedicated to environmental responsibility and has made investments to aid local habitats through the placement of owl boxes, birdhouses, and bat nests.
Eco-studies verify that hedgerows, ponds, and other plant life with significant ecological diversity and conservation significance have been preserved and improved upon, offering increased benefits for wildlife within the area.
The representative further stated: “Cotters Park does not provide drink packages, and there is aNoise Management Plan established at the location.”
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