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, 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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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 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:

• https://www.healtheffects.org/annual-conference
• https://www.healtheffects.org/about/global-health-oversight-committee

Dr Caradee Wright attended a workshop on air pollution and human health in East Africa, hosted by the Health Effects Institute, USA – from 29 March to 31 March. Stakeholders and organisations (at various levels), researching and monitoring air pollution in East Africa – particularly from Kenya and Uganda, were present at the event. Discussions around workable strategies regarding collaboration and increasing technical expertise on air pollution and health were had. Reviewing the status of current data and evidence on air quality and health risks relating to the topic alongside policies, formed the lively debates had at the workshop.  

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.