Page 82 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

Caprisa's 20 year celebratory symposium and gala dinner held in June at the Durban ICC.

From L-R: Prof Salim Abdool Karim, Profs Peter Piot Special Advisor on COVID-19 to the President of the
European Commission, Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist WHO, Minister of Health Dr Joseph Phaahla and
Zandile Myeni Deputy Mayor eThekwini.

training in conducting clinical trial research Science for creating a
in HIV/AIDS, TB, and COVID-19. Eight of the healthier society
13 interns from 2023 were appointed as staff in 2024.
Community capacity development is prioritised The unit’s efforts collectively reflect a multi-
through outreach programmes and training aimed at dimensional approach to addressing global
enhancing competency, advocacy and empowering health challenges, ranging from policy, advocacy,
community members. education, social mobilisation and capacity-
building. Professor Abdool Karim delivered lectures
Through partnerships with Treatment Action at academic and global health agencies including
Campaign, CAPRISA undertook a programme of HIV, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
TB and COVID-19 literacy sessions for representatives
for advocates from several community-based to the National Centre for Global Health and
organisations across SA. Engagement with leadership Medicine in Tokyo- concerning policy engagement,
of traditional health practitioners' organisations in Professor Abdool Karim participated in the WHO
KZN aimed at strengthening capacity within this Evidence-to-Policy Summit and SA Embassy Round
group for identification, referral and support of Table Berlin. Dr Rubeshan Perumal participated in
patients with all forms of tuberculosis, is ongoing. the GVN Long-COVID meeting in Monaco and
Through our leadership in the KZN provincial AIDS Professor Naidoo participated in the WHO guideline
council, we contributed to knowledge sharing and development committee policy on the role of HIV
led discussions on addressing health challenges in viral suppression in improving individual health
SA, with a focus on ending HIV/AIDS, TB, and STIs and reducing transmission. Nationally, Prof Abdool
by 2030. Karim engaged in the Presidential Health Summit,

80 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24