Page 40 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

in the Southern African Research and Innovation
Management Association (SARIMA) COP Mentorship
Programme on research ethics and integrity
professionals across the SADC (March to Aug 2024).
Prof Angelina Maphula participated in the Fogarty
International Center/NIH project on Sustainable
Academic Capacity Building for Excellence through
Research and Training at the University of California,
Los Angeles, USA. Ms Mukhethwa Munzhedzi, a
PhD student, was awarded a 6-month fellowship for
training on bioinformatics in metagenomics analysis
at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering
Engagement with the authorities of the and Biotechnology in Cape Town.
Dzimauli community in Vhembe district on
antimicrobial resistance stewardship. The Unit Director received the B2 rating award from
the National Research Foundation, attesting to
his status as an internationally acclaimed scientist
With regards to the expected impact, firstly, if based on his research outputs and the impact of
our hypothesis that a substantial number of HIV- his research. He was also a recipient of the 2023
infected individuals do not disclose prior exposure Gold Scientific Merit Award by the SAMRC for his
to antiretrovirals at the time of entering the universal significant contribution to health research.
test and treat programme is proven, a more
robust screening before treatment initiation would Science for creating a
have to be adopted for an enhanced treatment healthier society
outcome. Secondly, the definition of transmitted
HIV drug resistance would require modification. The overall goal of the unit is to co-produce evidence,
Thus far, about 500 plasma samples were collected to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, with study
to determine the prevalence of prior exposure communities and stakeholders for intervention to
to antiretrovirals. In addition, 77 individuals were advance global health imperatives – enhancement
enrolled in a prospective cohort. The prevalence of access and equity to health. To engage in the
of non-exposure will be determined from the 577 process of knowledge co-production, the unit in
individuals; while the impact of prior exposure to September 2023 organised a symposium to engage
antiretrovirals on drug resistance development will stakeholders on antimicrobial resistance stewardship.
be determined from the prospective cohort, over a Over 60 delegates comprised the study community
12-24 month period. representatives, public health sector clinicians,
researchers, and decision and policymakers from
Equitable capacity development national and provincial departments. The symposium

for empowering communities will be an annual event, and through this process, we
aim to prepare decision and policymakers to readily
The unit is taking care to safeguard gender equity take up the evidence produced by the unit and the
for key members, especially black females such as community for appropriate intervention.
Dr Lufuno Mavhandu-Ramarumo and Prof Angelina
Maphula, who are emerging researchers and key In celebration of 30 years of
investigators each leading specific aspects of virology
and psychology, respectively. Female students are democracy in South Africa
also supported and encouraged in advancing their As the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, the
careers to become independent research scientists.
unit reminds itself that it is in a unique position as
Dr Lufuno Mavhandu-Ramarumo was selected by the an agent for change through developing excellence
Department of Higher Education and Training, and and leadership in science and innovation. Through
Science and Innovation to participate in the Future this commitment, the unit would produce citizens
Professors Programme PHASE 2 COHORT 2 (2024- with the requisite skills to serve the country through
2026). She also serves in the adjudication panel for relevant research and research management for
the South African Women in Science Awards (2023 socio-economic development and well-being of
– 2025). In addition, she was selected as a mentee communities.

38 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24