The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) more than US $45 million (R867) million towards advancing HIV vaccine research and development. The research will focus on utilising the existing capacity, scientific skills, inventions and community engagement in research to advance the HIV vaccine field. According to the South African Medical Research Council, an HIV vaccine to sustainably control the HIV pandemic remains elusive. According to the WHO, around 7.5 million people were living with HIV in South Africa. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety and USAID Mission Director - Southern Africa, Leslie Marbury.