Page 31 - SAMRC Annual Performance Plan 2026-27

The digital age of healthcare has already arrived – 9.2.8 Indigenous Knowledge Systems
and AI has a clear role to play. To realize the potential The South African Government adopted the
of AI to improve health and well-being worldwide, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy in
we need to equip and support local innovators – 2004, which was aimed at recognizing, affirming,
who understand how best to transform and uplift developing, promoting and protecting Indigenous
their communities in leveraging new approaches Knowledge Systems in South Africa. In this policy, IKS
like Large Language Models. With the support of was perceived to be fertile ground for innovation,
partners from across the Grand Challenges (GC) since it is typically human centred, very diverse, and
Network and across geographies, we are able to applies technology of local origin with strong cross-
make this vision a reality, nurturing and championing linkages. The policy highlighted the need for IKS
the world’s most creative minds, no matter where to become holistically integrated into the National
they may live. System of Innovation (NSI) rather than as a separate
but parallel system of knowledge that has not been
The Grand Challenges network of partners supports integrated into the mainstream of knowledge.
innovative solutions to "Grand Challenges" in health
and development with a vision for a world where The lack of access to healthcare services, combined
local, regional, and global innovation ecosystems are with the erosion of traditional healing practices,
thriving and fostering solutions in places where they contributes to the health disparities experienced
will have the most impact. The SAMRC is a home and by Black South Africans. Commitment is required to
funder of GC South Africa, and together with the GC reclaim and revitalise traditional knowledge about
Network launched early in 2024 the first AI funding medicinal plants in the country, as well as promote
call on catalysing equitable AI use for improved their safe use for primary healthcare. There is a
growing need to incorporate traditional medicines
global health outcomes. These AI-led innovations into the broader healthcare system and thus
call cut across clinical decision support, health investment is necessary to make traditional medicines
systems strengthening, health communications and more acceptable by establishing quality standards
patient journeys, support to frontline workers, public as well as confirming efficacy and safety through
health and policy making, clinical trials, diagnostics, laboratory testing. The SAMRC is supporting various
and population health. It is envisaged that during pilot projects to progress traditional medicines to
the strategic planning period, there will be similar AI clinical evaluation as well as platforms to support the
funding calls by the SAMRC to positively transform laboratory validation of these medicines. Given this
healthcare delivery and improve the lives of millions investment, SAMRC is aligned with the IKS Policy
across South Africa, Africa and the world. stipulations which states that funding IK research
presents a unique opportunity for trans-disciplinary,
In addition to the AI-led call referred to above,
the SAMRC will during the strategic planning multi-collaborative and participative research to
period adapt its business activities to address the enrich the NSI.
challenges and opportunities brought by the digital 9.2.9 Communities of funders
age. The organisation realises that with the increased To fulfil its mandate and increase access to health
use of digital technologies there is a challenge and research funding, the SAMRC has developed
absolute need to protect organisational data in relationships with local and international funders,
general and personal information to comply with including the NRF, NIH, EDCTP, BMGF, Newton
data protection laws and regulations such as POPIA. Fund, UK-MRC, and many others. The SAMRC also
On the other side, we realise opportunities that the hosts the African Health Research and Innovation
digital age presents including improved efficiencies Funders Forum, aimed at better coordinating and
and innovation. aligning funding for R&D on the continent.

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