Page 48 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Environment and
Health Research Unit

Unit director:
Dr. Renée Street
renee.street@mrc.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: Another significant study suggested that public
Strategic Objectives and Impact green spaces close to residential homes may
help reduce depressive symptoms among urban
Over the past year, we have led a variety of projects populations in resource-constrained settings. Our
focused on reducing environmental health risks, findings underscore the importance of continued
improving public health, and building resilience in efforts by stakeholders, such as policymakers and
communities, with a primary focus on air pollution, urban planners, to ensure easy access to public
water contamination, and exposure to potentially green spaces, which can enhance the mental well-
toxic metals. One recent Environment and Health being of urban residents. Through world-class,
Research Unit (E&HRU) study revealed that people locally relevant science, the E&HRU will continue
living in district municipalities with coal-fired power to support evidence-informed solutions to improve
stations are at a 6% higher risk of experiencing public health outcomes.
health impacts caused by air pollution compared to
those living in district municipalities without coal- Key Milestones and Achievements
fired power stations. The findings support phasing
out of coal-fired power stations and replacing them The E&HRU achieved several key milestones
with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind that significantly advanced its mission to address
and hydropower to eliminate health risks. However, environmental health challenges in South Africa. We
ensuring a Just Transition remains crucial to the forged new partnerships and strengthened existing
process. collaborations with local universities, resulting
in impactful research projects and joint activities
with over ten local universities. We were excited
to form new partnerships, including collaborating
with DataDrive on the Thrive by Five Index, the
largest survey of preschool child development ever
undertaken in South Africa. Through this partnership,
the E&HRU team will explore potential environmental
risks at early childhood development centres. With
support from both local and international funders,
the E&HRU was delighted to secure grants to
support the interdisciplinary nature of our work. One
of our recent grants is a multi-country study, funded
by the Medical Research Foundation, which will
investigate the role of climate in muscle function,
physical performance, and the metabolome among
older people in South Africa, Zimbabwe and The
E&HRU staff engaging in exhibitions. Gambia. Another new initiative, in collaboration with
Pure Earth will support the research of the artisanal

46 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25