The Health Promotion Research and Development Research Unit

Additional information

Capacity development and strengthening
The importance for capacity development derives from the first core value of the MRC – ‘human rights and ethics’. Thus capacity development is a critical activity not just because it is morally and ethically correct to expand access to health research from 5% of the population to 100%. But also because its success results in ten times as many talented young scientists being included in the creation of knowledge that is strategic, relevant, culturally appropriate, grounded in the African continent and also relevant to the world. Engagement in this activity is more that just a business process. It requires deep emotional, resource and time commitment from the mentor. In facilitating the transformation processes within the MRC and South Africa, the Unit has engaged in capacity development at every juncture. This activity is particularly urgent in South Africa where there is a dearth of trained and credentialed Health Promotion Specialists.

Individual Capacity Strengthening
The Unit has been actively involved in mentoring research interns. To date, six interns have completed their internship programmes and have been exposed to various processes in research, equipping them with much-needed knowledge and skills. In addition, the Unit has also trained national and international staff and scientists at masters and doctoral level.

Research capacity development at doctoral level
In keeping with its mission, the Medical Research Council has committed itself to research capacity strengthening, to this end the HPBIR partnered with Maastricht University to train doctoral level candidates.

Total number of PhD candidates within the unit over the past 10 years

1. Priscilla Reddy
2. Saadhna Panday
3. Anna Meyer
4. Anil Bhagwanjee
5. Dehran Swart
6. Coceka Nogoduka
7. Shegs James
8. Sibusiso Sifunda
9. Lekan Ayo-Yusuf
10. Alicia Davids
11. Hermien Mutumba Bilay-Boon
12. Dorina Saleh
13. Anam Nyembezi

The training of doctoral candidates is geared towards achieving the equity targets and in line with the demographic profile of South Africa. This approach serves to strengthen research capacity across all communities in the country, while addressing and attempting to correct the inequities of the past. For example, 87% of the PhD candidates are Black, with 40% African Black, 27% of Indian descent, 20% so called Coloured and 13% White. In terms of gender, 60% are females and 78% black female.

Institutional Capacity Strengthening
The Unit is involved in developing health promotion as a scientific discipline in South Africa. This means applying and testing influential theories of health promotion within South African settings, as well as building capacity through the training of scientists and the establishment of health promotion research groups at various universities and the support of various government departments including the Health Promotion Directorate of the National Department of Health. Key examples are cited below:

• Initiating the Health Promotion Research Development Unit at the University of Durban-Westville
• Initiating the Public Health Law Group at the University of Durban-Westville
• Initiating the Health Promotion, Disability and Ageing Research Development Group at the University of the Western Cape
• Research training for the Department of Correctional Services, health care workers and managerial staff

International Links and Collaboration
The Unit has fostered multiple links for international collaboration. In fact most of the funding for research has been secured from international partners.