Page 53 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Non-Communicable
Diseases Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Andre Kengne

Prioritising responsive research environment in South African townships and liaised
through impactful interventions with a range of stakeholders to maximise practical
and policy impact of the research. In the growth
During 2023/24 the Non-Communicable Diseases patterns and societal cultural beliefs and practices
Research Unit (NCDRU) played major roles in over in Dikgale (Limpopo Province) project, we have
20 research projects addressing Cardiometabolic assessed the nutritional status and growth patterns
Diseases (CMD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) of learners and maternal factors influencing those
and determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases growth patterns and explored the influence of
(NCD) at large. Adherence in adults attending HIV cultural beliefs and practices of mothers on the
treatment (MOPHADHIV) trial, we are testing the nutrition and growth of the children.
effect of text messaging on the uptake and adherence
to hypertension medications in people with HIV. We Equitable capacity development
completed the enrolment of 700 participants; their for empowering communities
follow-up will be completed in November 2024. In
another project on people with HIV, the unit has The NCDRU has established a young scientists forum
continued to explore novel strategies to promote where young scientists (masters', PhD, postdoctoral
combustible cigarette cessation in this population, fellows and junior scientists) meet monthly to
completing the formative work toward a clinical trial engage on various topics, both scientific and "soft
to start soon. Across our South African Diabetes skills", aimed at career and personal development.
Prevention Programs (DPP) taking place in Western Moreover, it is a safe space to share and support
Cape and Eastern Cape, we have continued all members. This forum is driven by three senior
community-based diabetes risk screening and scientists and a postdoctoral fellow. NCDRU has
started the intervention in Cape Town. This consists continuous training for all staff and fieldworkers
of socio-behavioural counselling targeting changes working on various projects. Refresher training,
in lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. including anthropometrics and BP measurements,
are offered on a quarterly basis and training related
In the CKD Africa Collaboration project, we have to specific methods are done on an ongoing needs
successfully enrolled 50 studies with over 90,000 basis i.e. GPAQ and dietary intake training.
participants from 13 African countries. Analysis over
time will contribute to improving the epidemiology Science for creating a
of CKD in Africa. Our Food-SAMSA project is
investigating the role of food environment in healthier society
promoting the development of NCDs in Africa. As part of the FoodSAMSA project, there is a
The project completed the investigation of food partnership with community health workers called

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 51