Scientists say research into a vaccine for HIV is further along than it’s ever been.

But Trump administration cuts to scientific research have set that effort back.

Including a promising trial for an HIV vaccine in Africa – which was shut down altogether.

NPR’s Ari Daniel has the story of how researchers there refused to give up.

Ari’s reporting for this story was supported by a grant from the Pulitzer Center. The Gates Foundation is a financial supporter of NPR. 

This episode was produced by Mallory Yu and Kira Wakeam.

It was edited by Rebecca Davis and Courtney Dorning.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.