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Updated: May 12, 2026
14:56
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Basic research at the epicenter of an epidemic
1is the director of K-RITH , Durban , South Africa william.bishai@k-rith.org.
Elife
|April 12, 2013
Summary
Researching diseases like tuberculosis and HIV is most effective when conducted directly within affected communities. This approach, championed by William R Bishai at K-RITH, brings scientific inquiry to the heart of the epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain significant global health challenges.
- Effective research requires understanding the real-world context of disease transmission and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for conducting scientific research on infectious diseases within the communities most affected by them.
- To highlight the strategic advantages of in-situ research for diseases like TB and HIV.
Main Methods:
- This is an argument/opinion piece, not a research study.
- It emphasizes the strategic placement of research institutions within endemic regions.
Main Results:
- Not applicable for an opinion piece.
- The core argument is that proximity to the disease facilitates more relevant and impactful research.
Conclusions:
- The KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) model, placing research in the midst of the epidemic, is presented as optimal.
- This geographical and contextual proximity is crucial for advancing the fight against TB and HIV.
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