Page 47 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

Environment and
Health Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Dr. Renée Street
renee.street@mrc.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit sanitation, and toxic environmental exposures.

The Environment and Health Research Unit The unit collaborates closely with government,
(EHRU) conducts research at the intersection international agencies, and communities to ensure
of environmental exposures and human health, research informs policy and practical solutions. By
guided by a One Health approach that recognises producing actionable evidence, EHRU contributes
the interconnectedness of people, animals, and to early warning systems, environmental health
the environment. The Unit investigates how guidelines, and risk-reduction strategies that
environmental risks influence disease patterns and promote resilient, equitable health outcomes in
health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable South Africa.
populations, using expertise in environmental
epidemiology, exposure science, and public health. Key Milestones and Achievements
EHRU’s research aligns with national and global A key priority for EHRU is generating policy-
priorities on climate change, environmental relevant evidence on environmental exposures and
degradation, and health inequalities. Key focus translating findings into interventions that reduce
areas include air quality, extreme heat, water and health risks among vulnerable populations.

EHRU generates policy relevant evidence on environmental exposures and translate findings into
interventions that reduce health risks among vulnerable populations.

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