South African Medical Research Council

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The South African Medical Research Council recognises the catastrophic and persisting consequences of colonialism and apartheid, including land dispossession and the intentional imposition of educational and health inequities.

Acknowledging the SAMRC’s historical role in, and silence on, health and research inequalities during apartheid, the organisation commits its capacities and resources to continued promotion of equity and dignity in health and health care.
SAMRC Welcomes the Approval of Lenacapavir as A Landmark in HIV Prevention

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) welcomes the announcement by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) that it has approved the registration of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking antiviral medicine recommended, alongside saf

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E2D Collaboration will ensure that the Best Evidence informs Healthcare Policy Decision-Making in South Africa

Pretoria: The implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) will require extensive changes to the South African health system (including funding mechanisms, management structures, healthcare delivery platforms, and the scope of healthcare benefits covered)

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Prof Naeemah Abrahams a stalwart for Gender and Health research makes it to the National Academy of Medicine 100 New Members

WASHINGTON - The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medi

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Child mental health in South Africa (SA)

As the world observes World Mental Health Day on Friday, 10 October, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) highlights that mental health challenges remain a leading cause of illness and disability among young people, both globally and in South Afr

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Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock Honoured with 2025 SA Women in Science Award

Prof Jill Hanass-Hancock, Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Gender and Health Research Unit, has been named the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) Distinguished Woman Researcher in Human and S

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B1 Rating Recognition for Prof Caradee Wright’s Leadership in Climate and Human Health

Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Professor Caradee Yael Wright has advanced from C2 to a B1 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist. This new rating places her among researchers who enjoy considerab

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South Africa and Global Partners Mobilise Millions to Sustain Health Research Capacity

In a bold and strategic move to ensure the resilience of the South African National Health Research Enterprise, the South African government has announced a significant funding injection of R400 million over the next three years. This investment will be augmen

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About us

Who we are

The SAMRC was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research, and public health studies.

We conduct research on South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases, and interpersonal violence. Our work is to acquire evidence-based information to inform health policy and practice and improve the quality and health status of people in South Africa.

Vision

Building a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation

Mission

To advance the nation’s health and quality of life and address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation and research translation