Page 11 - AnnualReport2022-23

PAR T A: GENERAL INFORMATION

The Wastewater Surveillance and Research Project
(WSARP) was formalised as an SAMRC Research
Programme. The surveillance of wastewater is being
conducted at a total of 77 wastewater treatment
plants in four provinces and involves four historically
disadvantaged university partners as part of skills
transfer and capacity development.

An international study funded by the SAMRC and
led by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN’s)
Professor Dhayendre Moodley, confirmed the
safe use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and
emtricitabine as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in
pregnant women not living with HIV. Until December
2019, pregnant and lactating women were excluded
from the PrEP roll-out in South Africa based on the
absence of safety data for its use in pregnancy.
The novel study, published in The Lancet HIV, is a
pioneering approach providing much-needed safety
data to allow for a more informed choice during
pregnancy to protect mother and baby from the
long-term effects of HIV.
Looking into the future, one of the key areas of focus
for the SAMRC is the localisation of research and
development (R&D) and the impact it has on scaling
up innovation. We believe that localisation of R&D
is critical to developing innovative solutions that
are relevant and effective in addressing the health
challenges faced by South Africans. This includes
investing in local talent, building partnerships
with local institutions, and conducting research
that is relevant to the South African context. We
also support the development of local capacity
in research and innovation through training and
mentorship programmes.

All these achievements could not become
possible without the support of our National
Department of Health under the leadership
of Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, our SAMRC Board
chaired by Professor Johnny Mahlangu, the
Executive Committee Management, the leadership,
researchers, staff, partners and service providers
of the SAMRC. Thank you to all of you for making
SAMRC a success.

Professor Glenda E. Gray
President and CEO: SAMRC PROFESSOR GLENDA E. GRAY

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2022-23 9