SA Medical Research Council

12/10/2026

Catch Professor Liesl Zühlke, SAMRC Vice-President of Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio and a leading cardiovascular researcher, tomorrow on SABC 3’s Expresso Morning Show, between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. Tune in as she explores how wearable devices and technology can help support heart health and empower people to take better care of their hearts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZSTfirtxg

10/10/2026

More than 1 billion people worldwide are affected by mental health conditions. Behind that number are people we know, love and work alongside.

A friend. A colleague. A family member. Perhaps even you.

The way we listen, the words we use, and the support we offer can make a difference.

This World Mental Health Day, research by SAMRC’s Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and To***co Research Unit (MASTRU) reminds us that effective treatments are available, but people need to feel able to ask for help, and be able to access it.

💬 How can we make it easier for people to speak openly about their mental health and get the support they need?

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Join us for an insightful webinar on Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) and their potential role in advancing universal access to SRH for women.

MPTs are innovative products designed to address multiple sexual and reproductive health needs simultaneously, such as preventing HIV, unintended pregnancy, and other reproductive health risks.

In partnership with Population Council and IPM South Africa, we will explore: ✅ The current MPT landscape

✅ Evidence and implementation considerations

✅ Opportunities for integrating MPTs into health systems

✅ Implications for UHC and NHI in South Africa



https://www.samrc.ac.za/event/uhcnhi-forum-webinar-innovation-access-multipurpose-prevention-technologies-and-universal

08/10/2026

Mental health is one of the defining challenges of our time in South Africa and around the world.

Tomorrow morning, Dr Carrie Brooke-Sumner, a Specialist Scientist in the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and To***co Research Unit, joins SABC 3’s Expresso for an important conversation about the growing mental health crisis, why people still struggle to access care, the real impact of untreated mental health conditions, the advances in treatment, and why stigma still keeps people from seeking help.

Catch SABC 3’s Expresso first thing

07/10/2026

The HIV & Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU) of the South African Medical Research Council hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Durban, bringing together government representatives, researchers, academic institutions, community leaders, and strategic partners.

The forum provided an important platform for dialogue on public health research priorities, emerging challenges, and opportunities for collaboration to improve health outcomes in communities.

Attendees heard insightful presentations from eThekwini Municipality, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), CAPRISA, the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), community representatives and other stakeholders within the public health space, highlighting ongoing initiatives and shared priorities in public health research.

A key outcome of the engagement was the collective recognition that stronger collaboration is essential to addressing complex health challenges. Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of increasing awareness of current and future research programmes and identified actions to advance more inclusive, community-centred research practices.

06/10/2026

Twice as many young women used PrEP in communities reached by South Africa’s My Journey Programme.

A new SAMRC-led study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Africa, found that 26.4% of young women in programme areas had used PrEP, compared with 13.0% in matched comparison communities. More young women in programme areas also knew their HIV status.

The findings show that young women will use effective HIV prevention tools when they are accessible. Now we must help them stay protected through youth-friendly services, long-acting options and support that addresses the social and economic drivers of HIV risk.
https://www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/twice-many-young-women-used-prep-communities-reached-south-africas-my-journey

05/10/2026

Five weeks of hands-on learning culminated in a certificate ceremony celebrating 20 University Of Zululand students who completed the Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR) programme.

The students gained practical experience in gene expression tools and molecular biology, strengthening their technical skills and bridging the gap between academic theory and laboratory practice.

Their graduation marks an important milestone: 100 students trained since the CATIR facility launched in July 2025. Through the partnership between the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA. CATIR is building essential scientific skills in South Africa and supporting future pandemic preparedness and health-system resilience.

A huge congratulations to all 20 graduates on this achievement, and to all partners helping equip the next generation of scientists to advance research and healthcare.

01/10/2026

This International Day of Older Persons, we ask: Are people living longer? And what causes premature mortality?

Research from SAMRCs Burden of Disease Research Unit shows that while life expectancy at age 60 reached 17.2 years in 2024, premature mortality from non-communicable diseases remains an important public health concern.

The 2022 findings highlight the contribution of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes to premature mortality, with notable differences between men and women.

01/10/2026

SOS | Sharing Our Science: Mental Health Awareness Month
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to listen to our latest SOS: Sharing Our Science conversation with Dr Carrie Brooke-Sumner from the SAMRC's Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and To***co Research Unit (MASTRU).

In this insightful discussion, Dr Brooke-Sumner explores why mental health matters, the impact of stigma, the importance of early intervention, and how research is helping to improve mental health outcomes for children, adolescents, families, and communities across South Africa. She reminds us that mental health is everyone's business and that no one should have to face challenges alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available through organisations such as SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) and Lifeline.
📞 SADAG (24/7): SMS 31393
Su***de Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14
WHATSAPP (8am-5pm)
Cipla Chat Line: 076 882 2775
Maybelline Brave Together: 087 163 2030
📞 Lifeline: https://lifelinesa.co.za/ | 0861-322-322

Let's continue the conversation, reduce stigma, and build a culture of understanding, support, and wellbeing.


https://youtu.be/N_apiOZPxz4

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