News

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) in partnership with the Nanotech and Biotech (Nabio) Consulting will as part of raising awareness on HIV/AIDS host the first Symposium on Nanomedicine and HIV/AIDS in South Africa on Friday, 4 December 2015.

The symposium will take place at the SAASTA Auditorium – 211 Nana Sita Street, Didacta Building, Pretoria Central.

South Africa commemorated the World Aids Day on Tuesday, 1 December 2015. The day provides an opportunity for every community in the country and in the world to unite in the fight against HIV and, most importantly, to show support for the people living with HIV and remember those who have died.

The UNAIDS World AIDS Day theme for 2011 to 2015 is: “Getting to Zero”. In 2015, South Africa focused on Zero Discrimination, without losing sight of the other “zeroes”, such as zero new HIV infections and zero AIDS related deaths.

The aim of the Symposium on Nanomedicine and HIV/AIDS in South Africa is to bring together local experts working in the area of Nanomedicine and HIV/AIDS, to discuss and critically engage new approaches towards eradicating HIV/AIDS, including early detection, the next-generation “therapeutic” delivery vehicles and rapid testing for HIV/AIDS through the use of nanotechnology.

Nanotech and Biotech Consulting director, Dr Steven Mufamadi said nanomedicine could help South Africa to eradicate HIV/AIDS. He said scientists are currently working on the nanogel-microbicide to prevent HIV.

He acknowledged that there is still a long way to go to find a cure for HIV/AIDS, and that nanomedicine is currently at the research stage.

He said companies such as Mintek are working on diagnostic approaches. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is also working on drug delivery systems to cure tuberculosis (TB) https://www.uwc.ac.za/Faculties/NS/Pharmacy/Pages/Dr-Admire-Dube.aspx

“Nanomedicine helps to facilitate the quick detection (of HIV), instead of waiting for three months for HIV test results. With nanomedicine you can have results immediately,” he added.

Dr Mufamadi further indicated that as part of the programme for the symposium, the organisers are hoping to share the knowledge of nanomedicine as part of the National System of Innovation (NSI).

Mr Mthuthuzeli Zamxaka, Science Communicator at SAASTA, believes that the symposium would benefit delegates, including postgraduate students, researchers, professionals, industry and government departments and agencies.  In addition, he mentioned that the symposium will help scientists on how to engage the public through different media platforms.

He said some of the topics that will be discussed include the current status of HIV/AIDS, nanotechnology development in South Africa, application of nanomedicine in  HIV/AIDS and the need for public awareness.

For media interviews and registration, please contact the following people; Dr Steven Mufamadi 081 435 0353 or 0127563905 or steven@nabioconsulting.co.za, www.nabioconsulting.co.za or