Page 99 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

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

Cross-Border Malaria Initiative influence the transmission, control, and future
Imported malaria cases continue to contribute burden of mosquito-borne diseases. The project
to ongoing transmission, particularly in KwaZulu- investigates both the direct and indirect impacts of
Natal. Treasury-supported research implemented climate trends on disease dynamics and develops
IRS interventions in southern Mozambique to predictive scenarios across different time horizons
reduce cross-border malaria importation into to support disease modelling and public health
South Africa. The project evaluated the coverage planning.
and effectiveness of IRS activities in the Gaza
and Inhambane provinces. Results demonstrated RADAR (Responsible Access to
that malaria vectors remained susceptible to the Data for Analysis and Research)
insecticides used, supporting the intervention's Limited access to reliable, contextualised African
effectiveness and enhancing protection for datasets remains a major barrier to disease
vulnerable communities. modelling and predictive analytics. The RADAR
project addresses this challenge by collating,
Weekly Blood Spot Sampling curating, and transforming diverse datasets for use
Low malaria transmission levels in KwaZulu-Natal in disease modelling workflows. The initiative aims
present challenges for accurately understanding to strengthen climate-sensitive infectious disease
infection trends and disease burden. This ongoing modelling and improve access to high-quality local
study investigates the feasibility of weekly at- datasets for researchers and analysts.
home dried blood spot (DBS) collection as
an epidemiological surveillance tool in low- Building Capacity Through
transmission settings. The project incorporates Training, Mentorship, and Support
both nurse-assisted and self-collection approaches,
with participants trained to collect their own The MRG places strong emphasis on capacity
blood samples, thereby strengthening community development to empower scientific staff,
strengthen local research expertise, and support
participation in malaria surveillance research.
malaria-affected communities. The Unit’s work
aligns with the SAMRC’s broader commitment to
CAMMISA
equity, dignity, and inclusive health research.
The Climate-focused Analytics and Modelling
for Mosquito-borne Infections in Southern Africa A major component of the MRG’s capacity-building
(CAMMISA) project aims to improve understanding efforts is the training and mentorship of emerging
of how climate variability and climate change malaria researchers. Over the past decade, the

Delegates at the 10th Annual Southern Africa Researcher conducting a lab based study
Malaria Research Conference. on malaria.

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