Page 57 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

Data collection in Eastern Cape in March 2026.

The Unit prioritises research involving vulnerable, system employing advanced technology to deliver
marginalised and historically excluded populations, real-time substance use data in South Africa.
including rural communities, adolescent mothers,
sexual and gender minorities, and people who The Unit is also conducting a randomised controlled
inject drugs. trial evaluating remotely delivered group therapy for
depression and anxiety, aimed at improving access
AI in Medical and Health Research to care in resource-constrained and geographically
dispersed settings. Looking ahead, MASTRU
MASTRU is strategically integrating digital plans to launch a trial of a virtual mental health
technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into its clinic for children and adolescents in collaboration
research programmes while examining the impact
of technology on mental health and substance use. with partners in Brazil and the USA. The platform
will provide integrated assessment, triage, and
Current initiatives examine how digital technologies treatment services, and support the development
can enhance mental health service provision and of scalable virtual care models using dynamic
improve epidemiological data collection. An example treatment algorithms to improve the precision of
is the development of a wastewater surveillance matching individuals to appropriate care.

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