Page 126 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

The Strengthening Teamwork and Respect Another significant achievement is Wanga Zembe-
(STAR) intervention is being implemented in nine Mkabile's participation in the G20 Extraordinary
district hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Guided by Committee of Independent Experts on Global
participatory learning and action theory, STAR Inequality, which produced a report for South
includes champion identification and training, Africa’s G20 Presidency.
team development, collaborative learning sessions,
project implementation and monitoring, and Building Capacity Through
mentorship. The intervention is advancing the
evidence base for improving respectful maternity Training, Mentorship, and Support
care and strengthening cultures of teamwork and This period marked the completion of the
learning in rural maternity units in low- and middle- Motherload Project, undertaken in collaboration
income countries (LMICs). with the University of Cape Town, the advocacy

HSRU is also providing methodological support to organisation Flourish, and the Western Cape
the Council for Medical Schemes in the development Government. The project explored the intersecting
of Prescribed Minimum Benefit definition guidelines vulnerabilities experienced by low-income mothers
aimed at standardising care, reducing variability and their impact on maternal and child health and
across medical schemes, and ensuring equitable, well-being outcomes. Findings from the study have
evidence-based access to diagnosis, treatment and informed the design of a Cash Plus Care pilot project
care for defined conditions. by the Western Cape Government.

Some of the delegates who attended the 5th Cochrane Africa Indaba in Kenya.

The e-health project aims to address non-communicable diseases and sexual and reproductive health
among adolescent girls and young women in rural South Africa.

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