A short general history of the MRC

A record of medical science, transformation and achievement
In focusing on the acceleration of transformation, the MRC is able to look back proudly on significant achievements during its existence. These include:

• developing and sustaining a solid health research infrastructure and a culture of quality research in a developing country;
• successfully integrating public health research with basic and clinical research as a major factor in a dominantly biomedical-oriented environment;
• highlighting the need for health systems research; and,
• establishing a major research centre in a rural environment - Hlabisa - jointly with the universities of Natal and Durban-Westville (the Wellcome Africa Centre for Population Studies and Reproductive Health).

Highlights in the MRC's programme of research include:

• tissue morphogenesis and regeneration by bone morphogenetic proteins;
• the potential role of riminophenazine as multidrug-resistant anti-cancer therapy;
• establishing the link between Hepatitis B and liver cancer;
• establishing the association between mycotoxins and oesophageal cancer;
• tracing the variegate porphyria founder gene defect;
• epidemiological projects that highlighted the inequalities in health status in South Africa;
• genetic work identified familial hypercholesterolaemia in Afrikaners; and,
• development of animal models for research into atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases.

The work of the MRC has made a significant impact on public health. These are some of the recent highlights:

• the MRC's research on smoking has resulted in major policy changes;
• the MRC's early projections on the impact of AIDS contributed to the establishment of the HIV antenatal surveillance system;
• the MRC's epidemiological projects have documented the health transition under way and the importance of developing appropriate interventions for chronic diseases of lifestyle;
• the MRC's assessment of the impact of alcohol on health has led to the development of new substance-abuse surveillance systems and policy changes; and,
• the MRC's ongoing projects have contributed to constant improvements in public health surveillance, especially regarding malaria, TB, HIV and STDs, injuries and death.