CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA —Living with HIV or active tuberculosis (TB) increases a person’s likelihood of dying from COVID-19, preliminary data from South Africa show. However, the effect is small compared with other known risk factors such as old age and diabetes.

A new facility located in a congested community with high tuberculosis rates brings basic science and cutting edge techniques into the heart of disease circulation.

African scientists look set to gain greater control over research in their own countries, if an ambitious plan for a regional hub to award grants and develop research capacity bears fruit.