Page 102 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Office of Aids and
TB Research

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Dr. Fareed Abdullah
Fareed.Abdullah@mrc.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit Through its integrated and collaborative approach,
OATB continues to position itself as a leader in
The Office of AIDS and TB (OATB) is a dynamic,
multidisciplinary research unit with a broad and advancing equitable health outcomes, fostering
impactful portfolio that addresses critical public innovation, and strengthening evidence-based
health priorities. The unit’s work covers HIV, policy and practice in South Africa and beyond.
tuberculosis (including drug-susceptible and drug-
resistant TB), child and adolescent health, women’s Key Milestones and Achievements
health, pandemic prevention, preparedness and Imagine Social Impact Bond (SIB)
response, and health financing, including innovative
mechanisms for strengthening health systems. The implementation of the Imagine Social
Impact Bond concluded on 30 June 2025 and has
OATB collaborates extensively with internal contributed to improved sexual and reproductive
SAMRC units and a wide network of local and health outcomes among school-going adolescent
international partners, enabling multidisciplinary girls and young women in KwaZulu-Natal and the
and transdisciplinary approaches to complex North West Province. Findings are currently being
health challenges. The unit plays a pivotal role in prepared for publication. Two evaluations are
bridging research, policy, and implementation, underway, including an impact evaluation with both
with a strong emphasis on knowledge translation quantitative and qualitative components, as well as
and influencing policy at national and global levels. an economic evaluation.
High-level government engagement forms a central
component of its mandate, ensuring that research
evidence informs health system strengthening and
decision-making processes for maximum public
health impact. This includes leading Pillar 6 of the
Presidential Health Compact on Health Financing.
In addition to its research activities, the unit is
deeply committed to scientific leadership and
capacity development. This includes mentoring
postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows,
organising scientific colloquia and knowledge-
sharing platforms, and contributing to national
and international scientific review processes. The
unit also leads and supports community-oriented Imagine Social Impact Bond team members
initiatives aimed at improving health awareness and visit one of the projects in Newcastle, KZN.
access to healthcare services.

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