Page 40 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26
P. 40
SAMRC STRATEGIC RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
HEALTH PROMOTION
RESEARCH
PROGRAMME 1 & DISEASE PREVENTION
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME PROGRAMME STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
To conduct research using a life course To contribute towards the body of evidence
approach to healthy lifestyles, early by gaining a better understanding of
diagnosis, and cost-effective prevention how factors such as nutrition, physical
and management of diseases through activity, mental health, healthy behaviours,
health promotion. environment and stress factors affect life
expectancy.
To be a leader in scientific research by
UNITS THAT CONSTITUTE THIS PROGRAMME contributing to new knowledge in the area
of health promotion and disease prevention.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health
Research Unit (ERU) To train and mentor high-quality
postgraduate students and postdoctoral
Centre for Health Economics and Decision fellows who can compete in the science,
Science Research Unit (ERU)
health and/or education sectors locally
Environment and Health Research Unit (IRU) and abroad to advance the cause of health
promotion and disease prevention.
Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease
Research Unit (ERU) To assist the National Cancer Registry in
producing cancer surveillance statistics and
Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use cancer trend reports.
and Tobacco Research Unit (IRU)
To translate research results into health and
Microbial Water Quality Monitoring education policy, the practice of healthcare
Research Unit (ERU) professionals, and the configuration of
health and education systems.
Non-Communicable Diseases Research
Unit (IRU) To develop interventions that affect and
address poor nutrition, lack of physical
Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders activity, excessive alcohol intake, and risky
Research Unit (ERU) sexual behaviours.
Rural Public Health and Health Transition To add to evidence-based interventions that
Research Unit (ERU) investigate factors affecting life expectancy.
Violence, Injury and Social Asymmetries To train and educate healthcare staff
Research Unit (ERU) and community members to manage,
control and reduce the incidence of non-
communicable diseases.
38 SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6
