Current Projects
The Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit (NCDRU) was formed in 2013 during the revitalization of the South African Medical Research Council. The unit was established by merging three existing units which were previously conducting research in different areas of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and by attracting additional staff from other units affected by the revitalization process. The three units merged to form the NCDRU were: (1) The Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Research Unit (CDL), (2) The Diabetes Discovery Platform (DDP), (3) The National Collaborative Research Programme on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (NCRP CV&MD)
Thematic Area 1: Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
| Cape Town Vascular and Metabolic Health (VMH) Study |
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PIs: Prof André P. Kengne, Prof Tandi Matsha (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa), Prof Rajiv Erasmus (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa) Short summary: The overall purpose of this programme of research is to establish a population-based cohort, backed up by adequate biorepository, in order to quantify and track the burden of cardio-metabolic diseases in mixed-ancestry South Africans in Cape Town, with a particular focus on the role of emerging risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. SAMRC Team Members: Dr Cindy George, Dr Dipuo Motshwari Funding: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) with funds from National Treasury under its Economic Competitiveness and Support Package and strategic funds from the SAMRC received from the South African National Department of Health. Publications (NCDRU-led):
Contact person: Prof André P. Kengne (andre.kengne@mrc.ac.za) |
| Cardiometabolic Diseases Risk Evaluation and Reduction in African People Living with HIV Infection (CaDERAL) |
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Project details Background: Care of people with HIV across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is provided through dedicated parallel health streams, primarily designed to address HIV and related infectious co-morbidities. Consequently, the opportunity of addressing co-morbid non-communicable disease (NCD) is not fully realized in this population in regular contacts with the health system. Integration of HIV and NCD care has been suggested to improve the co-detection and co-management of co-morbid HIV and NCDs. Key to the success of this integration is a better understanding of the burden and drivers of NCDs in people with HIV, and appropriate strategies for promoting their care without compromising HIV specific care. Project description: The Cardiometabolic Diseases Risk Evaluation and Reduction in African People Living with HIV Infection (CaDERAL) aims to enhance the understanding of common cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CMDs), and improve their co-detection and co-management in African people living with HIV infection, through a program of research and capacity development based on a network of institutions led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and comprising the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC, Cameroon). Clicking on the project will provide more detail on the projects being carried out in the three countries under the leadership of Prof Kengne.
Capacity Development: The three research projects support the training of a PhD student in each of the three countries and are reinforcing the research capacities of junior and senior researchers where appropriate. SAMRC Team Member: Dr Kim A Nguyen Publications
Contact person: Prof André P. Kengne (andre.kengne@mrc.ac.za) Funding: This project is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union
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| Cardiometabolic Outcomes, Mechanisms and Approach to Prevention of Dolutegravir Associated Weight Gain in South Africa (DTG Study) |
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PIs: Prof André P. Kengne and Prof Jean Nachega (Pittsburgh University, United States; University of Stellenbosch, South Africa) Short summary: Studies investigating weight gain associated with switching from an efavirenz- to a DTG-containing anti-retroviral (ART) regimen are lacking and thus critically needed to provide important and novel insights. Thus, this 12-month prospective cohort study, including African men and women living with HIV (PLWH), aims to evaluate weight change in those who switch to DTG-based ART and those remaining on non-DTG-based ART in Cape Town, South Africa. Co-I’s: Dr Jillian Hill (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa); Prof Julia Goedecke (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa); Dr Eric Decloedt (Stellenbosch University, South Africa); Dr Marije Van Schalkwyk (Stellenbosch University, South Africa) Consultants: Dr Sudipa Sarkar (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States); Prof Gregory D. Kirk (Johns Hopkins University, United States); Prof Todd T. Brown (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States); Prof John W. Mellors (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States); Dr Donald H. Skinner (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa); Dr Rhoderick N. Machekano (Stellenbosch University, South Africa) Funding: National Institute of Health (NIH)/Forgarty Contact person: Prof André P. Kengne (andre.kengne@mrc.ac.za) |
| Cardiovascular Risk in Black South Africans (CRIBSA) Study |
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PI: Prof Nasheeta Peer Co-I: Prof André P Kengne Short summary: This study, which previously examined the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the black population of Cape Town, now aims to determine the biochemical and genetic markers, genes and level of renal impairment associated with these CVD risk factors. Collaboration: University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa Funding: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): SAMRC Intramural Research Fund: SAMRC-RFA-IRF-02-2016 Publications: Current study:
Main study:
Contact person: Prof Nasheeta Peer (Nasheeta.peer@mrc.ac.za) |
| Comorbidities of childhood obesity at tertiary hospitals in Kwazulu-Natal, South-Africa: 1995 TO 2016 |
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PI: Prof Nasheeta Peer Co-I: Prof André P Kengne Short summary: 1) To determine the number of obese children <12 years old who were assessed between January 1995 and December 2016 at King Edward Hospital and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, and describe their obesity-related comorbidities, and 2) To determine any changes in body mass index and comorbidities at 1, 2 and 5 years post-initial presentation. Collaboration: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Contact person: Prof Nasheeta Peer (Nasheeta.peer@mrc.ac.za) |
| Evaluating Smoking Cessation Approaches Among South Africans with HIV/AIDS: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial |
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PIs: Prof Nasheeta Peer and Dr Omar El-Shahawy (New York University Grossman School of Medicine) Co-Is: Prof Andre-Pascal Kengne, Dr Jillian Hill, Dr Yusentha Balakrishna (SAMRC); Prof Scott Sherman, Dr Charles Cleland, Prof Emmanuel Peprah (New York University Grossman School of Medicine) Project Manager: Dr Kamogelo Senyatsi Short summary: Combustible cigarettes (CC) have profound health implications among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There is an urgent need for novel feasible and efficacious strategies for CC cessation among PLWHA in general, and in South Africa in particular. This study aims to: 1) Adapt an existing telehealth intervention for reducing CC use in the South African context, and 2) Determine the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted intervention (primary outcomes) and estimate and compare the preliminary effects of E-cigarettes (EC) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on CC reduction (secondary outcomes) using a pilot randomized controlled trial design. By addressing the unmet need for feasible and efficacious strategies for reducing CC use among PLWHA in South Africa, this study has the potential to significantly improve the health and long-term survival of PLWHA CC smokers. Funding: National Institutes of Health, FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Grant number: 1R21TW012365-01 Contact person/s: Dr Kamogelo Senyatsi (Kamogelo.Senyatsi@mrc.ac.za) or Prof Nasheeta Peer (Nasheeta.peer@mrc.ac.za) |
| Exploring a Syndemic Approach to Understanding the Bi-Directional Link Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Depression, and Implications for the Integrated Care Process in South Africa and India: Comorbid Diabetes and Depression (CODAD) Study |
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PIs: Prof Nasheeta Peer and Dr Mercian Daniel (The George Institute – TGI) Co-Is: Dr William Yang Zhao, Ms Sudha Kallakuri and Prof Rohina Joshi (The George Institute) Short summary: The aim of this study is to explore the bi-directional associations and influences (such as socioeconomic, cultural, psychosocial factors, coexistent multi-morbidities, etc.) of diabetes and depression that contribute to care, the integration of care, and outcomes of diabetes and depression. This will be achieved by exploring 1) shared meanings of the disease process among people living with both diabetes and depression, 2) the association of depression with glycaemic control in people with diabetes and 3) the association of diabetes with depression treatment outcomes. This research will add to the evidence on screening for and management of depression in people with diabetes in the context of improving diabetes care in South Africa and Africa as well as in India and may likely contribute to diabetes policy and practice. Funding: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) via the SAMRC-TGI Collaboration Contact person: Prof Nasheeta Peer (Nasheeta.peer@mrc.ac.za) |
| Exploring the status of non-communicable disease care during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 13 Countries |
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PI: Prof Nasheeta Peer Co-Is: Prof André P. Kengne and Dr Anniza de Villiers (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa). Short summary: The study relates to care for non-communicable diseases (NCD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a multi-country study being conducted across 5 continents with the overall purpose of addressing the needs of key stakeholders (public health officials, health policy makers, health workers, and patients with NCDs) who are managing and/or informing on decisions to enable appropriate management of NCD care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key stakeholders complete a questionnaire at a time of their choosing either electronically or through telephonic interview with the SAMRC Scientist, aiming to investigate their perceptions on their needs and expectations of NCD care during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine health system preparedness for NCD care in pandemics in a multi-country study which includes South Africa. Collaborators: University of Geneva, Switzerland and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. Funding: SAMRC NCDRU baseline funding. Contact person/s: Ms. Tshephang Mashiane (Tshephang.Mashiane@mrc.ac.za) or Professor Nasheeta Peer (Nasheeta.peer@mrc.ac.za) |
| The Eastern Cape Diabetes Prevention Programme (EC-DPP) |
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PIs: Dr Jillian Hill and Dr Yandi Yako (Walter Sisulu University) Short summary: The purpose of this project is to implement and evaluate the suitability, applicability and appropriateness of the SA-DPP developed and tailored in urban populations in the Western Cape Province, in peri-urban populations in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Collaborators: Prof André P Kengne (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Constance Rusike (Walter Sisulu University, South Africa), Dr Simthandile Toni (Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa), Dr Hannibal Musarurwa (Walter Sisulu University, South Africa) SAMRC Team Members: Dr Cindy George Funding: Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships: Precision Medicine, Grants Innovation and Product Development, South African Medical Research Council Contact person: Dr Jillian Hill (jillian.hill@mrc.ac.za) Publications
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| The South African Diabetes Prevention Programme (SA-DPP) |
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PI: Prof André P. Kengne Short summary: The overall purpose of this project to develop and evaluate a culturally relevant model of diabetes prevention programme for South Africa, using evidence from successful diabetes prevention effectiveness and implementation programmes. Our expectations are to arrive at a model that will inform lifestyle interventions to prevent diabetes and other lifestyles related conditions at primary health care level in South Africa and serves as a prototype for adaptation in other countries in the region that are confronted to similar challenges like South Africa. Collaborators: Prof Brian Oldenburg (University of Melbourne, Australia), Tandi Matsha (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa), Prof Rajiv Erasmus (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa), Prof Naomi Levitt (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Prof Thandi Puoane (University of Western Cape, South Africa), Prof Julia Goedecke (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Nasheeta Peer (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Pamela Naidoo (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa), Esme Jordaan (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Sanni Yaya (University of Ottawa, Canada) SAMRC Team Members: Dr Jillian Hill, Sr Deborah Jonathan, Dr Cindy George, Dr Paul van Jaarsveld, Prof Mieke Faber Students: Dezlynn Jansen (MSc ongoing, CPUT), Samukelisiwe Madlala (PhD 2023, UWC), Tatum Lopes (PhD 2023, US), Chad Africa (MPH 2023, UCT), Anne-Marie Aurousseau (MSc 2020, University of Bordeaux), Camille Lavigne-Delville (MSc 2020, University of Bordeaux) Funding: SAMRC Baseline Funding Publications:
Contact persons: Prof André P. Kengne (André.kengne@mrc.ac.za) and Dr Jillian Hill (jillian.hill@mrc.ac.za) |
| Unravelling the Complexity of Multimorbidity in South Africa: Integrating Advanced Analytics, Capacity Building, and Collaborative Research |
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PIs: Dr Jillian Hill & Prof Olalekan A. Uthman (Warwick University) Short summary: The central aim of this study is to advance the understanding, prevention, and management of multimorbidity in South Africa by leveraging advanced analytics, collaborative research, and capacity building. We seek to generate novel insights and evidence that can inform the development of targeted interventions, risk prediction tools, and health policies to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and alleviate the burden of multimorbidity on individuals, communities, and the healthcare system. Collaborators: Prof Andre Pascal Kengne, A/Prof Nasheeta Peer, Dr Kim Ahn Nguyen, Prof Kotsedi Daniel Monyeki (University of Limpopo), Dr Hannibal Musarurwa (Walter Sisulu University) Funding: SAMRC/UKRI MRC: SAMRC-RFA-GIPD-03-2024 |
Thematic area 2: Kidney Diseases research
| Advancing small non-coding RNAs research in chronic kidney disease in African populations |
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PI: Dr Dipuo Motshwari Short summary: In line with the global call to tackle the growing burden of chronic kidney disease, this project aims to evaluate the potential of small non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), as biomarkers for early disease identification and risk prediction in African populations. The limitations of currently used diagnostic biomarkers in these populations are well established, highlighting the need for novel approaches. MiRNAs possess unique qualities that make them promising biomarkers. This project will identify population-specific miRNAs, investigate their functional roles in regulating key pathways and gene targets, and assess causal relationships using longitudinal cohorts. Additionally, this initiative seeks to foster collaboration across the continent to develop standardized methods for assessing miRNA expression profiles, ensuring consistency and broader applicability of findings. Collaborators: SAMRC/CPUT Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit Funding: South African Medical Research Council with funds from the National Treasury under its Economic Competitiveness and Support Package (MRC-RFA-UFSP-01-2013/VMH Study), strategic funds from the South African Medical Research Council and funding received from Nedbank/South African National Research Foundation (Grant No. 115450). SAMRC Team Members linked to project: Dr Cindy George Contact person: Dr Dipuo Motshwari (Dipuo.Motshwari@mrc.ac.za) |
| Leveraging Interventions Implemented for Other Non-Communicable Diseases to Improve Screening and Prevention for Chronic Kidney Disease |
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PI: Dr Cindy George Short summary: In the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the disease presents with no or non-specific symptoms and consequently, CKD is commonly diagnosed opportunistically from screening tests for other diseases, or when the disease has progressed, causing symptoms to appear. Screening for CKD is important to detect the presence of disease early, as early diagnosis and initiation of preventive therapies can slow the rate of kidney function loss and reduce morbidity and mortality. Although the concept of “to screen or not to screen for CKD at community level” remains controversial, it is an accepted practice to screen people at-risk (hypertension and diabetes) at community level. For the current study, we will use existing studies (SA-DPP and EC-DPP) as pilot programmes to test our hypotheses. We hypothesis that a great proportion of people with early-stage CKD can be identified by using an opportunistic approach of including biomarkers of kidney function into the plethora of biomarkers already collected in an existing diabetes prevention programme. Further, we hypothesis that early awareness and the initiation of the intervention programme could slow the rate of kidney function loss, over a one-year period. The outcome of this study will provide evidence to support (or not) the inclusion of CKD risk screening in already implemented screening programmes. Furthermore, by using the specimens in the SA-DPP and EC-DPP biobank, we aim to assess the diagnostic and/or prognostic utility of novel biomarkers of CKD with a focus on serum cystatin C-based estimators of kidney function and microRNAs previously shown to be associated with CKD risk. We will therefore validate the utility of these previously identified miRNAs in African populations. Collaborators: Prof André P. Kengne (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Tandi Matsha (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa), Prof Glenda Davison (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa) Funding: NRF - Support for Y-rated Researchers SAMRC Team Members: Dr Dipuo Motshwari Contact person: Dr Cindy George (cindy.george@mrc.ac.za) |
| The Chronic Kidney Disease in Africa Consortium: CKD-Africa Collaboration |
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PI: Dr Cindy George Co-Is: Prof André P. Kengne (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Ikechi Okpechi (University of Alberta, Canada), Prof Mark Woodward (Imperial College, United Kingdom) Short summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, affecting individuals from low- income and- middle- income countries (LMICs) disproportionately, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the growing evidence pointing to an increasing prevalence of CKD across Africa, there has not been an Africa-wide concerted effort to provide reliable estimates that could adequately inform health services planning and policy development to address the consequences of CKD. Therefore, we established the CKD in Africa (CKD- Africa) Collaboration. The CKD-Africa Collaboration is an African network of CKD studies that pools individual participant data to: (1) determine the burden of CKD in Africa more accurately, (2) create resources that would allow the burden of CKD to be easily tracked and (3) enable CKD projections to be made in the context of Africa. To date, the network has curated data from 46 studies conducted in 13 African countries, totalling 47 949 participants, of which most are from sub-Saharan Africa. We are, however, continuously seeking further collaborations with other groups who have suitable data to grow the network. Collaboration: Africa, Europe, and USA Students: Suzaan Stoker (MSc 2020, University of Stellenbosch) Funding: Establishment of the consortium: National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka instrument; SAMRC/The George Institute seed funding Media/News: https://www.samrc.ac.za/news/samrc-led-consortium-tackle-chronic-kidney-disease-africa Website: https://ckd-africa.samrc.ac.za/ Publications:
Contact person: Dr Cindy George (cindy.george@mrc.ac.za) |
Thematic area 3: Social and developmental origins and consequences of Cardio-metabolic disorders: focus on the Environment & Lifecourse malnutrition
| Body size, Mental health, and Inequalities (BMI): a life course approach |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PIs: Prof Ilona Koupil (Stockholm University, Sweden), Dr Whadi-ah Parker (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa), Ms Amy Heshmati (Stockholm University, Sweden), Dr Daniel Falkstedt (Karolinska Institut, Sweden), Prof Demetre Labadarios (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa), Dr Sunday Onagbye (University of the Western Cape, South Africa), Dr Anton Lager (Stockholm University, Sweden), Prof Christina Dalman (Karolinska Institute, Sweden), Prof Gita Mishra (University of Queensland, Australia), Prof Anna Goodman (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, England) Short Summary: This project aims to use complementary existing sources of information from surveys, cohort studies and register data linkages to measure the burden of overweight and obesity and its strong social patterning in South Africa and Sweden. It also applies modern methods from life course epidemiology to investigate and address the social and developmental origins and consequences of overweight and obesity, negative body image, disordered eating and related psychological problems across the life course and across generations. Collaboration: Stockholm University and Karolinska Institut, Sweden and HSRC Students: Zakir Hossin (Stockholm University), Menghan Gao (Stockholm University) Funding: SAMRC/FORTE Swedish Council for Health Publications:
Contact person: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) Links:
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| Dietary-Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural and Urban South Africa: The NCDDD-RU Study |
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PI: Prof Perpetua Modjadji Short summary: The study “Dietary-Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural and Urban South Africa: The NCDDD-RU Study” aims to investigate the dietary determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among women of reproductive age in rural and urban South Africa, using a convergent mixed methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing NCD risk. Examining factors like physical activity, dietary diversity, food security, and health-related quality of life, will highlight the disparities between rural and urban populations. The research will further identify specific challenges faced by rural women, such as limited access to healthcare and nutritious foods, and aims to inform targeted interventions to reduce these health inequities. The findings will help develop nutritional programs and public health policies to address the high prevalence of NCDs like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among women. Reducing premature mortality from NCDs is a significant goal, but the study also aligns with broader objectives such as improving overall health and well-being, reducing health disparities, and enhancing access to healthcare and nutritious foods. These goals are in line with the South African national strategy to address NCDs and the UN/WHO Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Ultimately, the study seeks to create more equitable health systems and improve the overall health and quality of life for diverse communities in South Africa. Collaborators: Prof KD Monyeki (University of Limpopo); Dr MD Sekgala (University of Cape Town); Dr N Thovhogi SAMRC Team Members: Dr N Thovhogi |
| Food-SAMSA - Food environment that Promote NCDs in Africa: Addressing malnutrition using a syndemics approach |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PIs: Dr Jillian Hill (South African Medical Research Council, South Africa), Prof Peter von Philipsborn (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany), Prof Eva Rehfuess (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany), Prof Peter Delobelle (University of the Western Cape, South Africa), Dr Martina Lembani (University of the Western Cape, South Africa), Prof Vicki Lambert (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Dr Olufunke Alaba (University of Cape Town, South Africa) Short Summary: This project aims to investigate the role of food environment in promoting the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. The focus is on measuring malnutrition in all its forms, including over- and undernutrition, and also assessing its determinants and also exploring interventions to curb malnutrition at the macro (policy), the meso (community) and the micro (interpersonal) level. Collaboration: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Germany, University of the Western Cape’s School of Public Health (SOPH) and University of Cape Town’s CDIA and HPALS Students: Ms Carmen Klinger (LMU), Annalie Wentzel (SAMRC), Hlolisiso Nonkeneza (UCT), Ms Nicole Holliday (LMU) Funding: German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) Contact persons: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) and Dr Jillian Hill (jillian.hill@mrc.ac.za) |
| Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PIs: Prof Charlotte De Backer (University of Antwerp, Belgium), Dr Yandisa Ngqangashe (Australian National University, Australia), Dr Sunday Onagbye (University of the Western Cape, South Africa) Short Summary: This project aims at investigating the role played by current global COVID-19 pandemic on shopping, cooking, food consumption, mental health and physical activity of individuals occurring globally. It also explores complementary and conventional interventions that could prove beneficial in ameliorating some of the respiratory difficulties associated with COVID-19 infections amidst the scarcity of vaccines and specific drugs to prevent and treat this disease, especially in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaboration: University of Antwerp, and Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven Co-Investigators, University of Auckland, University of the Western Cape SOPH and Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science & 38 international countries Funding: University of Antwerp Website: https://soph.uwc.ac.za/project-item/covid19-corona-cooking/ Contact person: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) |
| MM-EE - multi-media entertainment-education project |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PIs: Prof Charlotte De Backer (University of Antwerp, Belgium), Dr Yandisa Ngqangashe (Australian National University, Australia), Prof Heidi Vandebosch (University of Antwerp, Belgium), Prof Christophe Matthys (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium) Short Summary: This project aims to develop and validate a multi-media education-entertainment (MM-EE) program to improve food and nutrition literacy, as well as body image of South African community health workers (CHWs) who operate in 3 townships (Gugulethu, Nyanga and Kensington). Collaboration: University of Antwerp, and Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven Co-Investigators & Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Germany, University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) SOPH, South Africa & University of Cape Town’s CDIA & HPALS, South Africa Students: Ms Asiphe Ketelo (MPH, UWC) Funding: VLIR-UOS (Belgium, Flanders) Contact person: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) |
| Street Food Project: Cardio metabolic profile and concomitant blood omega-3 fatty acid, carotenoid and vitamin E statuses of taxi drivers in the Cape Town Metropole area |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PI: Prof Maretha Opperman (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa) Short Summary: This project is aimed at assessing the dietary intake, metabolic syndrome and its risk factors, as well as blood levels of omega-3 FA, carotenoids and vitamin E among taxi drivers who operate in the Cape Town Metropole area. Collaboration: Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Students: Mr Derrick Sekgala (PhD, UWC), Ms Buhle Mpahleni (MSc, CPUT) Funding: National Research Foundation, CPUT and SAMRC Publications:
Contact person: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) |
| The Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Cardiometabolic Risks and Perinatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women living with HIV and their offspring in South Africa using a life course approach: The NCDART- MC Study |
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PI: Prof Perpetua Modjadji Short summary: The study titled “The Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Cardiometabolic Risks and Perinatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women Living with HIV and their Offspring in South Africa using a Life Course Approach: The NCDART-MC Study” aims to provide comprehensive insights into how ART influences maternal and child health outcomes, particularly focusing on the long-term effects on cardiometabolic health and perinatal outcomes. Using a convergent mixed methods approach, it integrates quantitative data on cardiometabolic risks, perinatal outcomes, and growth patterns with qualitative insights into participants’ perceptions and lived experiences. This holistic view highlights both clinical outcomes and personal experiences, offering valuable context to the statistical findings. The study’s findings will inform healthcare providers and policymakers about the benefits and challenges of ART, guiding future interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Additionally, by aligning with international guidelines from the UN and WHO, the study will contribute to global efforts to enhance the health and well-being of mothers and their children. The molecular aspects of the study, including gene expression changes, epigenetic modifications, and protein profiles, will provide a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms through which ART impacts health outcomes, paving the way for personalized medical approaches and improved health strategies. Collaborators: Prof C Kinnear (SAMRC); Prof T Mothiba (University of Limpopo); Prof SL Lebelo (UNISA); Prof L Zuhlke (SAMRC) SAMRC Team Members: Prof C Kinnear; Prof L Zuhlke |
| Tracking food and beverage advertising in South Africa |
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PI: Prof Zandile J Mchiza Co-PI’s: Prof Nelia Steyn (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Prof Norman Temple (Athabasca University, Canada), Dr Whadi-ah Parker (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa), Dr Zulfa Abrahams (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Dr Jeroen De Man (University of Antwerp, Belgium), Dr Sunday Onagbye (University of the Western Cape, South Africa) Short Summary: This project is aimed at compiling the audits of food and beverage advertising in South Africa: investigating food advertising in popular print Media and Television Broadcasting Channels Collaboration: UWC, UCT, HSRC and Athabasca University Student: Daniel Awusi Yamoah (MPH, UWC) Funding: Athabasca University Publications:
Contact person: Prof Zandile Mchiza (zandile.mchiza@mrc.ac.za) |