Page 105 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

The unit also contributes to strengthening the advanced analytics are being used to integrate
national research ecosystem through peer review clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory datasets
activities involving postgraduate theses, journal to generate actionable insights for public health
manuscripts, conference abstracts, and National decision-making.
Research Foundation funding applications,
including Y-rated researcher programmes and In antimicrobial resistance research, bioinformatics
research development grants. and genomics-based approaches are being used
to characterise pathogen evolution, identify
In March 2026, OATB hosted the Global Outcomes resistance markers, and support targeted
Finance Alliance Summit at the SAMRC in interventions. These data-driven approaches
partnership with the South African Presidency. enhance predictive capabilities and strengthen
Co-hosted by the SAMRC, the summit brought evidence-based policy and clinical responses.
together representatives from 28 countries and
facilitated global learning and collaboration in The unit is also exploring digital tools and data
outcomes financing and innovative finance. The platforms within innovative financing mechanisms
event strengthened international partnerships, such as Social Impact Bonds to strengthen
expanded funding networks, and reinforced the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and
SAMRC’s leadership role in innovative financing for resource allocation.
health and development outcomes.
In collaboration with the Department of Urology
AI in medical and health research at the University of Pretoria, OATB will support the
development of an AI-enhanced electronic health
OATB is increasingly integrating artificial
intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies into record system incorporating ambient listening
health research, innovation, and decision-making technologies, automated clinical documentation,
processes. These approaches are particularly AI-assisted discharge summaries delivered via
relevant in infectious disease surveillance, WhatsApp platforms, and advanced “AI-in-a-box”
antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and pandemic data security features.
preparedness.
Looking ahead, OATB aims to expand its application
Through initiatives such as the Pandemic Fund of AI and machine learning to support predictive
programme, RePORT, and the TB Think Tank, modelling, optimise intervention strategies, and
the unit is leveraging advanced data systems strengthen health system responsiveness. Through
to support real-time surveillance, outbreak these efforts, the unit is advancing data-driven,
detection, and improved understanding of disease equitable, and impactful health solutions in South
transmission dynamics. Computational tools and Africa and globally.

Delegates at the Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit 2026.

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