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.
South Africa’s Femicide Crisis Persists: New Report Highlights Increase in Intimate Partner Femicide Violence and Declining Convictions

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Gender & Health Research Unit has released the results from their fourth national femicide study revealing that South Africa continues to have some of the highest femicide rates in the world. The report

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Professor Glenda Gray appointed new GARDP board chair

The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) has announced the appointment of distinguished scientist and leader in the medical research community, Professor Glenda Gray, as the new chair of its board of directors. Gray, well-known as

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Mpox cases in SA, experts unpack concerns

South Africans should be concerned about the spread of mpox in the country with certain variants rapidly spreading between humans, including through sexual contact. This is according to Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the Aids Progr

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The state of health in South Africa: Reflections and future directions

While progress has been made in some sectors, there are critical gaps in the healthcare infrastructure As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the health status of our nation is a mirror reflecting both the triumphs and challenges that South Af

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Change The Narrative - SAMRC contributes to Special Lancet Public Health Series on Suicide Prevention

In 2019 alone, suicide claimed over 700,000 lives across the globe, according to the World Health Organization. This means 1,925 people commit suicide a day, or one every 45 seconds. A change in the narrative is needed to move from presenting suicide as a pure

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Nominations for the 11th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards now open

The nominations for the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Awards are now open. Please note that nominations close on 30 September 2024. The 11th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards marks a new era at the organisation, now under t

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Mpox in South Africa: All you need to know about the disease and its prevention

As Mpox continues to present a significant public health challenge, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) stresses the importance of educating the public on effective prevention strategies. The Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disea

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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