Page 10 - AnnualReport2022-23

A NOTE FROM

THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

South Africa has made significant strides Our research during COVID-19 continued as we re-
orientated our research funding to allocate resources
in improving its health status over the
to surveillance, the development of diagnostics,
past few decades. However, the country therapeutics, immunological research and vaccine
still faces numerous challenges, including development.
high rates of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and
In a true spirit of partnership, Biovac, Afrigen and the
non-communicable diseases while still SAMRC collaborated on the establishment of the
trying to recover from the Coronavirus mRNA hub in South Africa in an endeavour to support
pandemic. The South African Medical vaccine development on the continent. The SAMRC’s
role in the hub is to drive the R&D programme which
Research Council (SAMRC) plays a crucial
is aimed at the research, development and testing of
role in addressing these challenges mRNA vaccine candidates for COVID-19 and other
through its research and science advocacy. priority diseases to ensure a pipeline of products
Efforts made to lead in such a pivotal time for manufacture by the spokes in South Africa
and other low- and middle-income countries. The
demand an interconnectedness in the
SAMRC is also the clinical trial partner for the mRNA
5th Industrial Revolution (5IR) health space, Technology Transfer Hub.
taking up a strategic adaption to new
The Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation (CSSFF) –
technologies that enable more innovation. SAMRC Biomanufacturing Capacity Development
Programme commenced in the 2022/23 financial
year with the first cohort of studentships. This
The SAMRC is a statutory body that conducts is an ambitious programme to build a vaccine
research on health and related social issues in manufacturing workforce, with a commitment of
South Africa. Our mission is to advance the nation’s R100 million over 5 years from the Chan Soon-Shiong
health and quality of life and address inequality by Family Foundation and co-funding from the SAMRC.
conducting and funding relevant and responsive
health research, capacity development, innovation South Africa’s first COVID-19 Antigen Self-test was
and research translation. The SAMRC’s research launched by Medical Diagnostech (Pty) Ltd. This
focuses on a wide range of health issues, including project was funded by the SAMRC, and the self-test
infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, has a mobile phone application called HealthPulse
mental health and environmental health. TestNow, aiming to reduce reliance on international
test kit supplies, whilst being robust enough to
Transformation in science remains an integral part of produce results before patients leave the testing
our strategy. More women and black South Africans site.
and scholars and researchers from Historically
Disadvantaged Institutions are the beneficiaries The SAMRC and NRF were appointed to represent
of our masters and doctoral and other capacity South Africa as institutional members of the
development programmes. International Human Frontier Science Programme.
South Africa is the 16th country to be admitted,
Reflecting on the 2022/23 financial year, a lot of and the only country from Africa. This membership
good work was done and achieved. For instance, underscores the value that South Africa places
despite the tight fiscal environment, the SAMRC on supporting fundamental research in the
has delivered impactful scientific research and understanding of complex mechanisms in the life
will continue to do so effectively and efficiently, as sciences to advance industry, health, and human
guided by the Public Finance and Management Act. well-being.

8 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2022-23