Page 137 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

prognostic information, as well as therapeutic and endorsements from CEO Dr Keith Cloete and COO
clinical management options. Dr Saadiq Kariem. Our project has been earmarked
for formal inclusion in the province's healthcare
More recently, in 2023/2024, we have developed programmes.
and launched an accredited Postgraduate Diploma
(PGDip-CHP), an MSc (CHP) degree and a PhD (CHP) Nationally, our work with the Director of the
programme, considering the desperate national and South African National Cancer Registry has led
continental need for Human Bioinformatics, focusing to the development of the South African National
on the growing field of precision and genomic Cancer Prevention Services (SANCAPs), a national
medicine. These programmes are designed to colorectal cancer prevention programme.
meet current research demands and future needs
in precision medicine. Through these training In celebration of 30 years of
initiatives, we aim to foster a diverse and inclusive democracy in South Africa
scientific community. By providing comprehensive
educational pathways from undergraduate to As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy,
postgraduate levels, we empower a broader range our Division of Human Genetics underscores its
of students and researchers, thus reinforcing our commitment to equity, capacity development, and
commitment to equity and dignity in health research. community engagement in health research. Our
message is clear: science must serve the entire
Science for creating a community, driving positive change and promoting

healthier society health equity. Our approach centres on empowering a
diverse new generation of scientists and researchers.
During the reporting period, we successfully Through robust training programmes and capacity-
extended our research beyond the laboratory to building initiatives, we aim to create a more inclusive
engage with the communities most affected by our scientific landscape. This commitment is embodied
work. This direct interaction has led to significant in our BSc Hons and MSc programmes, designed
outcomes in various projects. Psychiatric Genetics: to attract talent from underrepresented institutions
Our psychiatric genetics research has a robust and nurture their growth.
connection with a community advisory board,
which has deeply influenced our approach. This Beyond the lab, our focus is on engaging with
collaboration has helped us ensure that our research communities. Our psychiatric genetics project is
addresses the real-world needs of those affected by guided by a community advisory board, ensuring
psychiatric disorders, leading to more relevant and our research is aligned with the needs of those
impactful studies. affected. Our work in inherited retinal diseases,
in partnership with Retina South Africa, provides
Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRD): In partnership with genetic diagnosis to patients and their families.
Retina South Africa, a support group for those with This partnership has also led to one of Africa's first
retinal disorders, we provide genetic diagnosis clinical trials for these conditions, demonstrating
reports to individuals and families. This grassroots the impact of community-driven research. Our
engagement has resulted in one of Africa's first familial cancer project in the Western and Northern
clinical trials for inherited retinal diseases, specifically Cape provinces is a testament to our commitment
focusing on early-onset Stargardt Disease. This trial to reducing health disparities. This project has
would not have been possible without our strong significantly lowered morbidity and mortality rates,
ties to the community. earning praise from the Western Cape Department
of Health. It has also inspired a broader collaboration
Familial Cancer Project: Our work on familial with the South African National Cancer Registry to
cancer has had the most profound community develop a national cancer prevention programme,
impact, particularly in rural regions of the Western paving the way for equitable health outcomes across
and Northern Cape provinces. This project has the nation.
significantly reduced morbidity and mortality rates
among these communities. The Western Cape As we celebrate this democratic milestone, our unit
Department of Health has praised our efforts, with reaffirms its commitment to our communities.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 135