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The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently lifted a ban on new research funding for South Africa, marking a notable improvement in US-South African relations. According to Science magazine, the ban, imposed last year by President Donald Trump, has been revoked, allowing American government support for research projects in South Africa once again.

This development is crucial as South Africa has been a significant research partner for American scientists, particularly in combating HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

The funding freeze came into effect following Trump's decision to halt US foreign assistance to South Africa, driven by a series of policy disagreements between the two nations. However, an internal memorandum by NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya revealed that research funding was legally distinct from foreign aid, which influenced the decision to lift the ban.

For South African researchers, this reversal could provide much-needed funding after a period of uncertainty. It is important to note, though, that any future projects conducted overseas must demonstrate a clear scientific rationale for being carried out outside the United States.