Page 94 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

clinicians, and scientists, we empower the next Freedom Park, Thembelihle and Diepkloof.
generation to conduct rigorous research. Our Community engagement informs research priorities
training programmes emphasise ethical conduct, and supports participant enrolment. VIDA also
community engagement, and inclusivity. By involving contributes to the local economy and drives
diverse voices, we ensure equitable representation positive global social impact through community
and respect for all. engagement work.

By understanding disease patterns and risk factors, WITS Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with
VIDA contributes to informed policy decisions. This SAMRC/WITS VIDA Research Unit and WITS
knowledge directly benefits communities, promoting Health Consortium to address the issue of over
health equity. VIDA advocates for equitable vaccine 800 unemployed doctors despite critical shortages
distribution and accessibility. Our outreach efforts in the public sector. In just over a month, a week-
engage communities, ensuring that vulnerable long programme was designed for 33 doctors to
populations receive timely and dignified healthcare. introduce them to the field of health research. The
By disseminating research findings and promoting programme covered clinical research foundations,
health literacy, the unit empowers individuals to methodologies, ethics, management, statistics,
make informed decisions about their well-being. and funding. The outcomes included creating a
Community of Practice, career advice, networking,
VIDA's leadership includes diverse experts who internships, work experience, and employment
champion equity. We collaborate with national and opportunities. The programme contributes to
international partners, fostering a global network the development of the research management
committed to health equity. Through mentorship landscape and driving impact through agile
and collaboration, the unit transfers knowledge and collaboration.
skills to LMICs. This strengthens local capacity and
promotes dignity in research and healthcare. In celebration of 30 years of
Science for creating a democracy in South Africa

healthier society As South Africa commemorates 30 years of
democracy, SAMRC/WITS VIDA reaffirms its
WITS VIDA has been engaging with the communities commitment to saving lives through pioneering
of Soweto and Thembelihle for over 27 years. scientific research.
Community engagement is crucial for building
relationships between research organisations Through innovation and collaboration, VIDA
and the communities they serve. VIDA invests in continues to break new ground in the quest to
community engagement to achieve social license- save lives and inform policy for impactful change.
to-operate in underdeveloped areas. Our approach As we reflect on the milestones achieved over the
involves culturally sensitive communications and past three decades of democracy in South Africa,
building relationships with community leaders, let us look ahead with optimism and determination,
organisations, and influencers. We have three knowing that through impactful research, a brighter
Community Advisory Boards supporting Soweto, and healthier future awaits us all.

92 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24