Page 155 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

The programme further includes scholarships transformation and building capacity in health and
for master’s and doctoral degrees. A total of science disciplines. During 2024 the internships
11 candidates (6 MSc and 5 PhD), selected through are being expanded to include engineering and
an open competitive call for applications, are regulatory internships.
being funded to complete their studies, focussing
on a variety of vaccine-related topics with the aim Sub-Saharan Africa Funder’s Forum
of building the next generation of vaccinology In early 2022, the SAMRC received a grant from
researchers. A fourth component involves the the New Venture Fund to support the coordination
provision of scholarships for medical students at of health research and innovation funders in sub-
Nelson Mandela University to complete their medical Saharan Africa. The funds were allocated to host
training. The first cohort of 7 medical students was meetings where relevant funders share strategies
funded during 2023 and a second cohort will be and coordinate approaches to fund projects and
funded from 2024 for the duration of their studies. initiatives addressing priority health problems in
The studentships are managed by the SAMRC’s the region. The journey began modestly in May
Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform and 2022 with a gathering of over 30 organisations
the scholarships are administered by the Research exchanging insights on focus areas and funding
Capacity Development division. strategies for the Southern African Development

As a result of these activities, the SAMRC co-authored Community (SADC). The initiative, now called the
a training hub consortium proposal led by the CSIR. African Health Research and Innovation Funders
The proposal avoids duplication of activities and Forum, has transitioned to encompassing the entire
provides a concept document for the government African continent. This shift highlights its potential
to use with international partners. The concept to become a prominent fixture in Africa, with a
proposal also includes the mRNA hub programme, core emphasis on prioritising African health needs,
the GAVI Africa strategy, and an SAMRC conducted preventing funding duplication, and fostering
analysis of the skills gaps. 2023 was also a very busy collaboration among funders. This momentum
year where the SAMRC took centre stage in Africa carried into a thematic meeting in November 2022,
as follows: where participation expanded to over 50 funders,
leading to the formation of a dedicated working
• Along with Paster Institut Dakar, Africa CDC group focused on enhancing drug manufacturing
organised a workshop in Dakar on African in Africa.
workforce development.
• Professor Richard Gordon was appointed as Chair The third forum, held in August 2023, marked a
of the Africa CDC PAVM Talent Development significant milestone with a notable 150% increase
Taskforce. in attendance. Over 100 delegates from 60 active
• Professor Richard Gordon chaired the CHPIA funding bodies worldwide convened at the
meeting in December 2023 in Lusaka for the picturesque Asara Wine Estate. The discussions
launch of the detailed African analysis and covered critical thematic areas such as Maternal,
competency framework. Neonatal, and Child Health; Precision Medicine;
Vaccines and Medical Device Manufacturing;
With the above-mentioned initiatives, the CSSFF- Climate Change and Health, and Infectious Diseases.
SAMRC capacity development programme is A notable outcome was the introduction of Satellite
growing the next generation of vaccine professionals, meetings, designed to deepen discussions on
researchers, and technical experts, building much- key topics. The first of these sessions, focusing on
needed capacity and infrastructure, and establishing Climate Change and Health, is scheduled for May
a network through which vaccine R&D and innovation 7th and 8th 2024 in Cape Town.
can be nurtured and thrive. Ultimately, this is aimed
at growing the industry, contributing to the economy Looking ahead, the fourth AHRIFF Funders Forum,
and ensuring that LMICs, including South Africa, are scheduled for September 2024, is poised to build
prepared to rapidly respond to the next pandemic. upon these collaborative efforts, driving impactful
The overwhelming majority of all recipients of the initiatives and forging enduring partnerships
CSSFF-SAMRC awards are graduates from HDIs as across the African health research and innovation
the programme targets and focuses on realising funding landscape.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 153