Page 65 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

with communities and stakeholders in the health,
education and social sectors.

Since 2014/15, the Unit has followed a cohort of
approximately 5,000 adults aged 40 years and
older nested within the population platform. This
longitudinal study provides unique insights into
ageing in rural South Africa, where multimorbidity
is common and often premature, driven by the
intersecting burdens of HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral
therapy and cardiometabolic disease.
In 2025/2026, the Unit successfully completed Wave
4 of the cohort update, alongside a nested cognition
and dementia study involving approximately
700 participants, generating critical evidence on
cognitive decline and the rising burden of dementia.

A major achievement was the evaluation of South
Africa’s national salt reduction policy. Findings The IMCI-Plus Trial addresses antimicrobial
demonstrated significant reductions in urinary resistance by using point-of-care ultrasound
sodium excretion and sustained decreases in to distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in children.
among women. The study was published in JAMA
Cardiology and featured in an accompanying
editorial.
2025/2026, the EMU supported PhD and master’s
The Ntshembo Trial, conducted in partnership students, with nearly 30% of the cohort comprising
with the Developmental Pathways for Health staff members.
Research Unit (DPHRU), focuses on optimising BMI
among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years through The Unit’s “Academic Fridays” initiative provides
community-based interventions in Soweto and protected time and mentorship for early-career
Bushbuckridge. Strong participation has positioned researchers, analysts and project managers to
the study for long-term follow-up through the advance their studies, publications and data
Agincourt platform, enabling assessment of analysis in a collaborative scholarly environment.
intervention sustainability and the development As part of a trial evaluating healer-initiated HIV
of a unique mother-infant cohort to study evolving testing and linkage to care, approximately 200
patterns of non-communicable diseases. traditional healers have received formal training in
HIV counselling and testing.
The IMCI-Plus Trial addresses antimicrobial
resistance by using point-of-care ultrasound to The Agincourt Public Engagement Office annually
distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia in conducts a two-day training workshop for
children, thereby improving antibiotic prescribing Community Advisory Board members covering
practices. Conducted with Swiss partners and the communication, research ethics, research protocols,
WHO across rural and township settings in South and governance roles and responsibilities.
Africa, Tanzania and Senegal, the trial will inform
future implementation research and integration In partnership with the Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic
into routine healthcare. and supported by BANKSETA, the EMU delivered
a six-month entrepreneurship programme for
Building Capacity Through 63 entrepreneurs from Agincourt villages. The
Training, Mentorship, and Support programme focused on financial literacy, business
management and market expansion strategies,
The EMU places strong emphasis on staff with ongoing monitoring of economic, social and
development and community capacity building. In health impacts as part of Ngwarai’s PhD research.

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