The EHRU out and about
2023
Professor Caradee Wright presents a case study on heat-health interventions in Trieste, Italy |
Between 5 and 7 September 2023, Professor Caradee Wright attended the Inter Academy Partnership (IAP) and Save The Children’s workshop on Climate Change and Health in Trieste, Italy. Professor Wright was selected as one of 15 participants to present a case study on heat-health interventions. Her case study was focussed on interventions to prevent adverse heat-health impacts in healthcare settings in rural South Africa, aligning with the SAMRC’s efforts related to the National Health Action Plan. The case studies of all participants will be compiled into a book published by IAP that presents science-based policy solutions for climate change and health challenges. This workshop was hosted by IAP at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Highlights of the workshop were the collegiality between the case study participants, a delicious Italian pizza in the town of Trieste, and helpful feedback from the reviewers for improvement of the case studies ahead of publication. ![]() |
Professor Caradee Wright, Drs Thandi Kapwata and Tracey Laban attend the LEAP-Epi Outputs Workshop to discuss the research findings |
Professor Caradee Wright, Dr Thandi Kapwata and Dr Tracey Laban attended the LEAP-Epi Outputs Workshop from 29 August to 1 September 2023 in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. LEAP-Epi is a four-year project (which will end in March 2024) on leveraging local air pollution data for epidemiological research. Air quality data was collected using low-cost sensors along with survey questionnaire data from households in two locations (Soweto – urban and Agincourt – rural) over two seasons. The aim of the workshop was to capture the learnings from the field, take a deep dive into the data, plan the journal articles to be written, develop the community feedback strategy and information materials and agree on future directions for the research. The consortium involved in the project are University of Leicester, Wits University, North-West University and SAMRC. It was a productive week of contributions by all project partners, made more enriching by the in-person interactions and capacity building sessions where introduction to R to process questionnaire data, tips to build academic writing skills and guest speaker presentations on epidemiological research formed part of the programme. ![]() |
Professor Caradee Wright presents at an Air Quality Workshop in Tshwane, Pretoria (2023) |
The City of Tshwane is concerned about air pollution in the city. Therefore, they hosted an Air Quality Workshop at Tshwane House on 28 August 2023. The theme was: "Climate Action Plan: A net-zero carbon and climate resilient city by 2050.” Professor Caradee Wright presented at the first session of the day in the session on Research Community, speaking about, “Air Pollution and Health in South Africa.” The presentation discussed the inequities associated with health pollution exposure and the associated burden of disease in South Africa. Professor Wright also spoke about air quality levels in the City of Tshwane and its association with hospital admissions for respiratory disease. The presentation received positive responses; connections made at the workshop will lead to future collaborations, as well as overall environmental changes within the municipality. |
Drs Tracey Laban and Nomfundo Mahlangeni attend the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Advisory Forum meeting (24 August 2023) |
Dr Tracey Laban and Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni attended the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Advisory Forum meeting on 24 August 2023, hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, in Cape Town. The quarterly meetings aim to create a platform for muti-sectoral integration towards disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery. Various disaster management stakeholders in the Western Cape came together to discuss disaster management activities across the province as well as lessons learnt from previous disasters. More importantly, the need for improved early warning systems also formed part of the forum discussions. Added to this, the meeting highlighted the importance of addressing risk reduction and adaptation to reduce the vulnerabilities to disasters. Therefore, our team has subsequently reviewed the Western Cape Hazmat Response Plan, to ensure climate change is addressed in the plan. Suggestions have also been tabled for a response to floods and wildfires to be included in the plan. |
Professor Caradee Wright and Dr Thandi Kapwata attend a FHERA writing workshop in Nairobi, Kenya |
Professor Caradee Wright and Dr Thandi Kapwata attended a meeting of the Climate Change and Environment Working Group meeting of the Lancet Commission on Future of Health and Economic Resiliency in Africa (FHERA). The meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 21 to 23 August 2023. It was a writing workshop. The writing workshop’s main objectives were to finalize several manuscripts that are being prepared by the working group. Additionally, draft chapters for a book that has been planned by FHERA Core Panel and to chart next steps for future activities of the working group were also part of the agenda of things needing further preparation. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Dr Renée Street gives keynote address on Science Advice and Science Diplomacy in Kenya |
Dr Renée Street gave a keynote address during a session on Science Advice and Science Diplomacy, which was organized by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). The keynote was followed by a panel discussion. This session was part of the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC 2023) Symposium. The symposium was held in Nairobi, Kenya on 22 to 25 August 2023. During the session, attendees were taken on a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of science, policy and global cooperation. Additionally, during her keynote address, Dr Street offered insightful reflections on the science-policy interface and highlighted the pivotal need for addressing global challenges. Furthermore, Dr Street emphasized that effective communication and collaboration between scientists and policymakers are essential for translating scientific advancements into impactful policy. |
E&HRU’s Annual Writing Retreat (2023) |
The Environment and Health Research Unit (E&HRU) scientists went on an annual writing retreat from July 31 to August 4, 2023 – which was hosted at the Intundla Game Lodge, located on the outskirts of Pretoria. Its location added an extra layer of inspiration to the retreat, given the lodge’s picturesque surroundings which fostered a blend of productivity and tranquillity. During the retreat, the team engaged in intensive writing sessions and harnessed the power of collective focus and expertise to advance their ongoing research endeavors. Sharing ideas, brainstorming and exploring potential avenues for collaborative projects were the order of the day. The retreat also featured an educational session that enhanced the team’s skills and knowledge for crafting effective policy briefs – which is an essential aspect of scientific communication. During mealtimes, the group gathered together to discuss their progress, share challenges and celebrate accomplishments which solidified camaraderie beyond the academic sphere. Additionally, the group walk added an element of enjoyment to the retreat, where informal discussions touching on different topics ranging from personal experiences, shared interests and aspirations were had. The 2023 writing retreat was a success; scientists provided positive feedback overall. We are looking forward to the 2024 edition! ![]() |
Dr Renée Street participates in Clim-Health Africa meeting in Libreville, Gabon |
In July 2023, Dr Renée Street attended the Clim-Health Africa event which took place in Libreville, Gabon. The main objective of the 2023 Clim-Health Africa meeting was to build on the 2017 roundtable recommendations, as well as the work done by the consortium partners. Discussions around emergency prevention and management actors in Africa regarding more collaborative work in the region also formed part of the meeting. Dr Street actively provided insights on the capacity building needs for the multisectoral work necessary to properly consider the climate dimension in the resilience of health systems. The meeting also allowed partners to discuss emerging issues and how to make climate services and the Clim-Health Africa Network more responsive to both emerging policy agendas and user needs in Africa. ![]() |
Dr Renée Street participates in workshop to adapt the 3rd edition of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) to the South African context |
The recent presidential health summit has identified pandemic preparedness as one of the pillars of the presidential social health compact – which requires the implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR). IDSR is a strategy adopted by countries in the WHO African Region for implementing comprehensive public health surveillance and response systems for priority diseases, conditions and events at all levels of health systems. In July 2023, Dr Renée Street participated in an intensive 5-day workshop to adapt the 3rd edition of the IDSR to the South African context. Active contributions were made to the review of the current surveillance system and the development of a strategic framework to strengthen the national surveillance and response system. This will improve the detection of priority diseases and public health events on time, allowing prompt initiation of requisite investigations and responses to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. ![]() IDSR workshop, July 2023 |
Dr Renée Street awarded a scholarship to attend the 2023 UN Summer Academy |
The UN Summer Academy is a dynamic, connected and engaging critical global forum for advancing sustainable development. The one-week virtual learning experience, which took place in June 2023, provided a platform to foster inclusive exchanges to build skills and knowledge to address global challenges. Participants engaged in robust discussions and knowledge exchanges on ‘Governance for Sustainable Development.’ Its sub-themes included Multilevel Governance, Green and Just Transitions, and Governance for the Future; identified as critical focus areas of the governance lever for sustainable development. Dr Renée Street was grateful for the opportunity to obtain a scholarship to attend the virtual meeting. ![]() |
Professor Caradee Wright appointed as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Health and Pollution – sister journal to Environmental Health Perspectives |
The Journal of Health and Pollution (JHP) has been relaunched by Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) and aims to to publish high-quality research, reviews, and commentaries that address environmental health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) or indigenous communities. Additionally, the original mission of JHP was to facilitate a discussion of toxic pollution and its impacts to human health. The journal will therefore continue this work in its new iteration, with “pollution” defined more broadly to include a wider range of environmental health topics of interest to scientists and policy makers. Professor Caradee Wright initially served on the advisory committee to help shape the scope of JHP and was then nominated and selected as one of six Deputy Editors for the journal – on 6 June 2023. Given Professor Wright’s extensive knowledge working on environmental health issues in Africa, especially regarding air pollution and climate change-related health impacts, she will greatly enhance the content of JHP. Moreover, with her vast experience serving as associate editor and editor in chief of various national and international journals, Professor Wright will ensure that the quality of articles published by JHP will be of the highest quality and contribute towards policy development as well as guide future research. |
Dr Renée Street appointed as Section Editor for Journal of Water and Health |
Dr Renée Street has been appointed as wastewater-based epidemiology Section Editor for the Journal of Water and Health. Given her extensive expertise in studying the presence of pathogens and chemicals in the environment, Dr Street’s appointment brings immense value to the journal. In her role as Section Editor, Dr Street will oversee the publication of cutting-edge research papers on wastewater-based epidemiology – ensuring the dissemination of high-quality and impactful studies. This appointment reflects the growing recognition of the significance of wastewater-based epidemiology, to monitor disease outbreaks and guide public health interventions. Dr Street’s leadership is poised to advance the journal’s role in shaping policy and practice related to water and health issues globally. |
Dr Renée Street invited to join committee of experts for Uganda National Academy of Science (UNAS) Climate Change Preparedness Consensus Study |
The Uganda National Academy of Science (UNAS) has invited Dr Renée Street to join a committee of experts dedicated to climate change, preparedness, response and action. Climate change presents a unique opportunity for Uganda to reimagine how it responds to persistent development challenges. This study will use a climate change perspective to foster greater ownership and more sustainable community action enhancing national resilience and development. The committee of experts will assess and analyze existing scientific evidence related to climate change, preparedness, response and action. The study aims to reach a collective agreement on the most crucial aspects of climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies. The findings of the study can guide key stakeholders including policy makers and communities in formulating effective measures to address and respond to the challenges posed by climate change. |
Reshaping Science Perceptions for the Youth: E&HRU participates in the Gen S Job-shadowing Programme from 26-29 June 2023 |
In celebration of Youth Month in June, the E&HRU (along with other research units and support divisions), participated in the Gen S Job-shadowing Programme. It was hosted by the Corporate and Marketing Communications department from 26 to 29 June 2023 – taking place at the SAMRC’s Cape Town campus in the Western Cape. This Gen S Job-shadowing Programme offered a way to shape potential up-and-coming scientists’ minds, so that they are equipped for contributing meaningfully within the scientific community. The Programme also aimed to give the learners practical experience by involving them in day-to-day research work and support staff duties. The E&HRU team demonstrated different technology and equipment used to test water quality. During fieldwork, the importance of rivers and estuaries for environmental and public health was highlighted. Work within the Wastewater Surveillance and Research Programme (WSARP) was also showcased. Learners developed and presented a knowledge mobilization plan to raise awareness on an environmental issue – within their own community; guided by the E&HRU team. They were also shown how to construct experiments and develop hypotheses for a water filtration experiment. The team was pleased that perceptions around scientific research and creating a safe and healthy environment were reshaped through this event. ![]() ![]() |
Dr Renée Street and Mr Sizwe Nkambule attended a consultative stakeholders’ meeting regarding COVID-19 and cholera surveillance in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape Province on 8 June 2023 |
The E&HRU made great strides regarding the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, since the COVID-19 pandemic began – to curb its spread. Now, similar efforts are being made to fight against South Africa’s current cholera outbreak. E&HRU representatives, Dr Renée Street and Mr Sizwe Nkambule, addressed stakeholders during a consultative meeting held in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality – at their Gqeberha offices in the Eastern Cape province. The Department of Public Health in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality hosted the event on 8 June 2023. Results and trends on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA were shared at the consultive meeting – for public health purposes. A Nelson Mandela University laboratory facilities tour then followed. Mr Nkambule delivered a presentation focussing on the SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal in wastewater data, which aligned with different COVID-19 resurgences. The E&HRU also affirmed its strong commitment to increasing capacity to support the municipality’s pandemic preparedness. Dr Street further highlighted that collaborating with various departments within the municipality and determining how the wastewater surveillance platform is used for stakeholders’ needs, is essential. Discussions between the SAMRC, NMU and the municipality will continue regarding offering support to the municipality’s current cholera surveillance efforts. |
Professor Caradee Wright together with Drs Tracey Laban and Nomfundo Mahlangeni participated in the Sub-committee of the National Department of Health focus group meeting on Health Air Quality and Health on 2 June 2023 at the SAMRC (Pretoria campus) |
Professor Caradee Wright, Dr Tracey Laban and Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni participated in the sub-committee meeting of the National Department of Health (NDOH) focus group meeting on Health Air Quality and Health, which planned and developed a strategy in relation to air quality and health in South Africa – hosted at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)’s Pretoria campus on 2 June 2023. The strategy’s 5-year plan was discussed. Identifying stakeholders, promoting the development strategy and gathering information useful to the state, professionals, practitioners and other researchers, also formed part of meeting discussions. Representatives from the NDOH – Elliot Nontso and Bono Nemukula; including Joyce Shirinde from the University of Pretoria (UP), worked with Professor Wright and her team in formulating a proposal detailing a strategy to combat issues on air pollution and health. The SAMRC, in collaboration with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders, are uniting in the fight against air pollution and its negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of citizens. After the strategy’s development, the SAMRC will continue to assist government and facilitate its implementation. Additionally, the strategy will identify research gaps and opportunities which will help inform current research within the Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU). |
Dr Caradee Wright attends the annual Health Effects Institute (HEI) conference in Boston, U.S.A. between 30 April and 2 May 2023 |
Dr Caradee Wright attended the annual Health Effects Institute (HEI) conference in Boston, in the United States of America – from 30 April 2023 to 2 May 2023. The conference was hosted by the Health Effects Institute and focused on discussing and sharing the latest research relating to air pollution. Various scholars, as well as students funded by the Health Effects Institute were present at the conference. Caradee Wright gave a background talk called, ‘Different threats, same solutions’ which opened the main session. Afterwards, Caradee co-chaired a conference session on, ‘Addressing Air Pollution and Climate Change with Shared Solutions.’ Overall, Caradee was impressed by the presentations given at the conference and feels inspired to follow suit with her fellow researchers in air pollution and implement similar strategies on home soil in South Africa. Moreover, Caradee Wright plans to work closely with the Health Effects Institute, given that she is also a member of the Health Effects Institute Global Health Oversight Committee. See the below links for more information:
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Dr Caradee Wright attended a Health Effects Institute Workshop on Air Pollution and Human Health in Nairobi, Kenya |
Caradee was a member of the workshop organising committee; giving a keynote presentation, titled, Air Pollution and Human Health in Africa and a training lecture on the burden of disease studies about ambient air pollution and household air pollution in South Africa. She also chaired a group discussion on ideas for how HEI can help establish human health and air pollution research and activities in the region. Further, a funding call for research in the region will be disseminated and the SAMRC can apply. |
Drs Caradee Wright and Tracey Laban attend a bi-weekly meeting with Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI), in Pretoria |
Dr Caradee Wright and Dr Tracey Laban attended the bi-weekly meeting with Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI) on 17 April – called Bi-weekly meeting with Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI): Operation Inner-city Decongestion & Clean-up. The event was hosted by the Menlyn Taxi Association and the City of Tshwane, taking place at the Menlyn Taxi Association House, at Gezina. Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) was also part of the meeting with the Tshwane Taxi Industry to discuss easing traffic flow and cleaning up the inner city. Caradee presented findings of the baseline work done for the NRF-funded Climate-proofing taxi ranks project and shared the results of the survey questionnaire given to commuters and taxi drivers in December 2022; also requesting feedback on these findings. Further, stakeholders had to advise on the proposed interventions and way forward for the project as it enters its second phase of implementation. Given that this was a bi-weekly meeting, collaborations between the Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) and the Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI) are ongoing. The EHRU is committed to implementing feedback received at the meeting, which will assist in furthering research and addressing the needs and concerns of the TTI. ![]() |
Dr Tracey Laban attends a Training Session on domestic indoor air quality in the Nkangala District Municipality in Middelburg, Mpumalanga province |
Dr Tracey Laban attended a training session on domestic indoor air quality in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on 30 March. The session was hosted by the National Department of Health (NDOH). Environmental Health Practitioners from the Nkangala District Municipality were trained regarding implementing the Indoor Air Quality Guidelines developed by the NDOH in partnership with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries to address air pollution and poor health. Tracey gave a presentation on domestic indoor air quality studies done by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). A keen interest was noted in low-cost sensors (being used in the field by the SAMRC) and a request was made for a demonstration of the instruments’ capabilities. Discussions on the baseline assessment for the Eskom air quality offsets project ensued and SAMRC was encouraged to continue with baseline studies and health monitoring in order to provide an independent assessment. The session was also attended by Groundwork, (an NGO), who emphasized that government and industry should ensure air quality improvement interventions that work and do not place an additional financial burden on vulnerable communities. |
Professor Caradee Wright and Dr Thandi Kapwata attend a Climate Change Research Conference on 9-10 March 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa |
Professor Caradee Wright and Dr Thandi Kapwata attended a research conference on climate change in Pretoria, on 9 and 10 March 2023. The event was hosted by the City of Tshwane, in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – at the Tshwane House Council Chamber. Professor Wright chaired the session entitled, “Sustainable consumption and production”, and Dr Kapwata presented on her topic entitled, “An analysis of past and future heatwaves based on a heat-associated mortality threshold: towards a heat health warning system.” The conference also offered valuable opportunities for networking with stakeholders and potential collaborators within the climate change sphere. ![]() |
Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni attends the SAMRC’s RCD Grant Holder’s Annual Meeting |
Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni attended the SAMRC’s RCD Grant Holder’s Annual Meeting which took place on 8 and 9 March 2023 and was held at the SAMRC in Cape Town. She was awarded the SAMRC professional development programme fellowship as a postdoctoral research fellow on 1 October 2022. This was Nomfundo’s first Grant Holder’s meeting which was organized by the Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD) of the SAMRC. The meeting afforded the chance for grant holders to showcase their research. Its theme was entitled, ‘Building research leadership for societal impact.’ Presentations were given by postdoctoral fellows, early-career, and mid-career scientists from various subdisciplines in health sciences. The meeting facilitated networking, fostered collaborations, as well as the sharing of ideas and experiences between scientists from various career levels. Nomfundo enjoyed hearing about the work of her peers and shared her perspectives, particularly from an environmental health viewpoint. Overall, great interactions were had between grant holders, SAMRC board members and SAMRC executive committee members.
![]() Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni and colleagues in the SAMRC Intramural Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme at the SAMRC’s RCD Grant Holder’s Annual Meeting. |
Dr Renée Street visits University of São Paulo in Brazil (March 2023) |
Dr Renée Street visited the University of São Paulo (Brazil) from 6-10 March 2023. She presented at a research symposium, hosted by the university, and gave a keynote lecture on heavy metal exposure in South Africa and related health risks with particular emphasis on the informal industry. A highlight of the trip was a visit to Limeira City, to understand the risks for the outsourced, home-based jewellery makers. Issues around evidence gaps relating to exposure to toxic metals in local settings were discussed, as well as ways to prevent such exposure. The trip highlighted the importance of research innovation, as well as academic excellence through collaboration, networking and public engagement. ![]() |
Dr Caradee Wright participated in a Symposium on the Impact of Heat Stress on Newborn Health Outcomes |
Dr Caradee Wright participated in an online symposium on the impact of heat stress on the health outcomes of newborn babies, titled – ‘Adapting Health Systems to Protect Children from the Impact of Climate Change: A discussion series.’ It was held on 13 February 2023 and organised by UNICEF and the Child Health Taskforce. Caradee formed part of the symposium’s third session which discussed, ‘The Impact of Heat Stress on Newborn Health Outcomes: A Focus on Congenital Heart Defects.’ She gave a presentation and afterwards was part of a panel discussion for the Q&A session. Issues affecting pregnant people, infants, and children worldwide, were pertinent to the symposium’s discussion. Therefore, it is aligned with the Healthy Environments for Healthy Children framework, which indicates the environmental and climate risks affecting children worldwide and children’s rights to a healthy environment. Caradee also engaged in discussions with Child HeartLink and UNICEF about continuing their research through international collaboration. There is also the possibility of participating in two large international studies, which will inform local research directives within the SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit. For Caradee, the symposium highlighted the importance of having surgeons and physicians on a research team when working on congenital anomalies. ![]() |
Dr Caradee Wright participated in the One Health Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya |
Caradee Wright participated in the One Health Workshop hosted by the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences in Nairobi, Kenya, from 31 January 2023 to 2 February 2023. The purpose of the workshop was to identify research objectives for One Health across multiple disciplines. Caradee gave a presentation entitled, ‘Understanding the roles of One Health, climate change and environmental health in the pandemic: lessons from COVID-19 in South Africa.’ She also chaired a group at the researcher capacity development workshop, where participants discussed the value of mentoring. This made Caradee aware of the latest pressing research questions in One Health, which could also be used to shape the One Health agenda at the SAMRC. Many potential collaborators were present at the event and plans are being made regarding future collaborations. What stood out for Caradee at the workshop was that Kenyan people are very friendly and hearing about mentoring challenges faced by researchers across Africa, made her realise that they all face similar issues. The SAMRC looks forward to conducting research in One Health. |
Drs Thandi Kapwata and Caradee Wright attended the Global Change Conference in Bloemfontein, South Africa |
Dr Thandi Kapwata and Dr Caradee Wright attended the Global Change Conference hosted by the University of Free State from 30 January 2023 to 2 February 2023. A keynote address was presented by Caradee and Thandi was a panellist at the Climate and Health session. This session was convened by Dr Neville Sweijd, from the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate & Earth Systems Science (ACCESS). The main aims of the 3-day side event were to facilitate a discussion among the research community on the establishment of a Research Alliance on Climate and Health and to set up a national extreme climate event working group.
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2022
Sizwe Nkambule attends the 2nd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Kigali, Rwanda |
Sizwe Nkambule attended the 2nd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13 to 15 December 2022. The CPHIA was organized to provide a unique platform for African researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate; sharing perspectives and research findings in public health. Creating strengthened scientific collaboration and innovation across the African continent, was emphasized at the conference. The CPHIA also sought to serve as a catalyst in building more resilient health systems in African countries. Such systems would allow these countries to better prepare for and manage emerging health threats, while also addressing long-standing infectious diseases. Sizwe’s poster presentation focused on using wastewater-based epidemiology to track COVID-19 in rural settings – within the Western Cape Province. |
Wastewater Surveillance and Research Programme (WSARP) First Conference |
The Wastewater Surveillance and Research Programme (WSARP) held its first conference from 1-2 December 2022, under the theme, “Knowing where we are going, by knowing where we have been” – at the SAMRC Conference Centre, in Cape Town. Its purpose was to bring together WSARP partners, reflect on milestones, share experiences and lessons learnt in the field of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and how these experiences can be leveraged for future novel research studies. Key-note addresses were given by Prof Glenda Gray (detailing the SAMRC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic), as well as Dr Theodore Smith and Dr Rochelle Holm from the University of Louisville, USA. These researchers detailed their work in WBE in Louisville and Malawi respectively. A total of 12 research presentations were given during the conference from WSARP members (including young and emerging scientists), Waterlab and the University of Western Cape. These oral presentations covered wastewater related topics such as upstream sewage sampling, surveillance of defined and/or non-sewered communities, genomic sequencing, statistical modelling, science engagement and protecting groundwater for improved human health. WSARP partners and stakeholders were also encouraged to network and exchange ideas on creating and strengthening collaboration and maintaining discussions for future grant applications. |
Drs Thandi Kapwata and Caradee Wright participated in the NIH / Nature State of Data Science in Africa writer’s retreat in Nairobi, Kenya |
Thandi Kapwata and Caradee Wright attended the National Institute of Health / Nature Collection State of Data Science in Africa writer’s retreat in Nairobi, Kenya from 28 November 2022 to 1 December 2022. The project aimed to produce a collection of scientific papers that described the state of data science for health in Africa. These papers provided a benchmark for the current state of the field and highlighted the importance of data science for health. Additionally, the field of data science was further developed; in that new trends, opportunities, the exchanging of ideas and practices were discussed – therefore stimulating new thinking. More importantly, the content of this collection will be led and driven by the African data science community, in alignment with the principles of open science and open access.
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Dr Caradee Wright presents at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Webinar on Heat and Maternal and Child Health on the 27 October 2022 |
Caradee Wright was one of five panel members who gave short presentations on the risk of heatwave and extreme heat on child and maternal health at the AGU webinar leading up to the Chapman conference on Climate and Health in Africa from 22-25 May 2023. Caradee spoke about the South African National Heat Action Plan Guidelines and the key elements required to make the guidelines effective for implementation and impact. The presentations were followed by a Q&A session with the attendees. Website with programme and bios: https://www.agu.org/Chapmans-Climate-and-Health |
Dr Caradee Wright attends ILRI One Health Research Education and Outreach Centre in Africa (OHRECA) Advisory Committee meeting in Nairobi (3-4 October 2022) |
Caradee Wright attended the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) One Health Research Education and Outreach Centre in Africa (OHRECA) Advisory Committee meeting from 3 to 4 October 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. The goal of the One Health Research, Education and Outreach Centre in Africa is to improve the health of humans, animals and ecosystems through capacity building, strengthening of local, regional and global networks and provision of evidence-based policy advice on One Health in sub-Saharan Africa. The centre has four thematic areas: control of neglected tropical zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, food safety and informal markets, and prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance (One Health Centre in Africa | International Livestock Research Institute (ilri.org)) ![]()
Caradee serves as an Advisor to OHRECA and attended the meeting to hear about OHRECA’s past 6 month’s work. Project leaders presented their work packages and several postgraduate students presented their studies. |
Dr Busisiwe Shezi attended the 34th Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology in Athens, Greece on 18 September 2022 to 21 September 2022 |
Dr Busisiwe Shezi attended the 34th Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology held in Athens, Greece, spanning from the 18th to the 21st of September 2022. The theme of the conference was, “Strengthening the global role of environmental epidemiology.” During the conference, Dr Shezi engaged in various activities, including presenting a poster, attending different conference sessions, and networking with fellow attendees. The networking opportunities have resulted in Dr Shezi being part of a study on the impact of urban green spaces on climate sensitive health outcomes in Uganda. Dr Shezi also hopes to conduct research of a similar nature in South Africa. Additionally, the use of the exposome approach for studying the impact of the environment on health was a useful teaching point for Dr Shezi at the conference. ![]() |
Dr Busisiwe Shezi attended the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA) conference in eThekwini, Durban on 11-14 September 2022 |
Dr Shezi presented a poster titled, 'Heavy metal contamination of soil in informal foundries and surrounding homes in South Africa’ and attended other sessions forming part of the conference. Discussions on public health preparedness in managing climate change stood out for Dr Shezi. The conference also provided a platform to strengthen existing collaborative ties with researchers and establish new connections with others. |
Dr Caradee Wright speaks about Air Quality in our cities on eNCA |
Dr Caradee Wright joined a conversation on eNCA with City of Tshwane’s Ms Katlego Mathebe (Environment and Agriculture Management MMC) and City of Ekurhuleni’s Mr Andre Du Plessis (Environment and Waste MMC) to talk about commitments made in their respective cities to improve air quality.
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Bianca Wernecke talks to Gugulethu Mfuphi on KhayaFM to talk about air quality in South African cities (25 May 2022) |
The E&HRU’s Bianca Wernecke talks to Gugulethu Mfuphi of KhayaFM’s “KAYA BIZ” about air quality in South Africa’s big cities and what they are committing to doing to improve the air that we breathe!
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Important health tips to follow in the event of flooding |
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Dr Caradee Wright talks about air pollution in Africa in video released by World Health Organization |
Dr Caradee Wright talks about the major health impacts of air pollution in Africa, the key drivers of air pollution on the continent and how one can mitigate the causes and the impacts of air pollution. |
Too hot to handle? Dialogue on heatwaves in Cape Town |
Cape Town, much like other cities in the global south is contending with a myriad of climate change-related challenges. While heatwaves have attracted little attention, they occupy a significant and urgent place on the local government agenda. In this context, on 25 February 2022, City of Cape Town and the EDP convened a Futurecasting dialogue titled ‘Too hot to handle? Tackling heatwaves in Cape Town’ about preparing for extreme heat events in the city. Dr Thandi Kapwata, Specialist Scientist with the South African Medical Council’s Environment & Health Research Unit provided an overview of current and future heatwaves in South Africa with a focus on their health impacts. Dr Kapwata also outlined the heat early warning systems based on health indicators that she is working on with colleagues at EHRU. |
Prof. Guéladio Cissé from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute visits the E&HRU |
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Dr Caradee Wright and Dr Thandi Kapwata from the SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit present at the preparatory webinar for the “66th session of the commission on the status of Women” (a collaborative effort between Ilitha Labantu, AWIF and UN Women) |
In preparation for this year’s Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Dr Wright and Dr Kapwata spoke about how extreme heat is associated with increased heat-related morbidity and mortality, inter-personal violence and peer violence (including Gender-based violence) and worsened mental health, including feelings of emotional distress, anger and feelings of helplessness. As Climate Change has been quoted, by the Lancet Commission on Climate Change, to be “the greatest threat of the 21st Century”, and as South Africa will be disproportionately affected by a warming climate, it is important that we are made aware of the associated risks, but also the possible solutions. View or download the Climate change and violence presentation |