Page 106 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Staff Training Initiatives: Wits VIDA provides staff materials, and direct community engagement to
with essential training in: Research & compliance: ensure vital health research reaches those who
Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data management, need it most. Community Engagement & Outreach
Zotero referencing. Professional development: includes:
Line manager, diversity, and leadership training
(Future Leaders & LEAD programs). Workplace Social Media Campaigns: Wits VIDA used
safety: Health, fire, and occupational safety Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp to share
courses. External Capacity Development: African research updates, vaccine awareness, and health
Advanced Vaccinology Course (Afro-ADVAC): education materials. Infographics, short videos, and
A 10-day programme for vaccinology professionals community testimonials simplified complex findings.
across Africa and South Asia, with accreditation in Engagement metrics showed strong public interest,
progress at Wits. Masters in Vaccinology: The ALIVE particularly in vaccine discussions.
programme continues to thrive, of which Prof Madhi Local Radio Broadcasts: Partnering with community
is a founding member and co-director. Additional radio stations, Wits VIDA conducted interviews and
Research Development Efforts include Postgraduate public service announcements in local languages
students attending Wits courses on: Data analysis & on vaccine safety, maternal health, and disease
statistics (software training, sample size calculation); prevention. Feedback indicates increased awareness
Research skills (scientific writing, publishing, poster/ and trust.
abstract development), and Good Clinical Practice
(GCP) & ethics. Posters & Leaflets: Visually engaging materials, with
simple language and culturally relevant imagery,
Through these initiatives, Wits VIDA has strengthened were distributed in clinics, schools, and community
institutional, national, and international research centres, covering topics like vaccine benefits and
capacity, supported the next generation of scientists disease prevention.
and advanced global health research.
Community Health Days & Events: Wits VIDA
Navigating the Impact of US participated in local health days, offering free
Executive Orders on Funding screenings, educational talks, and vaccine science
demonstrations. Storytelling from study participants
The impact on Wits VIDA was limited. humanized research findings.

Research Translation Artistic & Interactive Communication: Infographics
Through Arts and Science & Visual Storytelling: Research was transformed into
easy-to-understand graphics. Photography & Video
Wits VIDA uses diverse communication methods Testimonials: Real-life experiences of participants
to make research accessible and impactful. These and healthcare workers personalized the impact of
efforts include social media, local radio, printed studies.

104 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25