Page 46 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

Science for creating a South Africans, through alleviating the CVD burden
healthier society of South Africans. By identifying more effective and
sensitive screening indicators, predictors or targets
We strive to connect with the community by visiting for implementation we endeavour to improve
community members at their homes and workplaces, population-based CVD awareness, prevention,
visiting young research participants in schools treatment and care for all South Africans.
and staying connected via social media. The EMU
has several outreach activities in the community. Understanding the difference in CVD aetiology
For example, a cartoon-type booklet has been amongst the different population groups in
developed to teach children on how a healthy South Africa is an important step in reducing
lifestyle can protect against CVD. These are handed inequalities in health in SA and developing
out to schools and clinics in the region. Another evidence-based targets for race-specific/sensitive
example is a comic strip that has been designed CVD prevention. Additionally, understanding the
to teach the general public the importance of salt interaction between lifestyle factors specific to the
reduction for blood pressure regulation. In addition, different South African population groups and CVD
many unit members and post-graduate students progression (alterations in vascular structure and
are closely involved in the global project on raising function) aids in the identification of modifiable
awareness of hypertension (May Measurement practices and thus constitutes the focus of our
Month), resulting in the largest-ever global campaign research.
for any risk factor.
These practices should be tailor-made to the
EMU members also interact with the media (online,
print, radio, television) continuously to both inform South African context e.g. taking cultural diversity
the public regarding general aspects of a healthy into account; making use of locally available foods
diet, raised blood pressure/hypertension and CVD, affordable to the broader public; considering the
and to translate our research findings to the general specific genetic and epigenetic make-up of the
public and other stakeholders. Members of the different South African population groups and taking
EMU are senior authors on authoritative guideline the co-existence of infectious diseases and the
documents of relevant international societies, which metabolic sequelae of their treatment into account.
guide the practical treatment of hypertension by The ultimate aim of our research is to contribute to a
clinicians and health care workers, with a special decreased prevalence of NCDs and, more specifically,
focus on application in developing countries.
CVD through engaging with relevant industry and
In celebration of 30 years of clinical partners and contributing to health policy
democracy in South Africa and practice, e.g., the rollout of evidence-based
education programmes and prevention strategies,
As an SAMRC EMU we are committed to promoting and also as part of the Primary Healthcare Services
and contributing to the health and well-being of all of the new National Health Insurance.

44 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24