Editorial
Dear Reader,
This edition of MRC News will help give a different perspective on some pertinent issues we deal
with on a daily basis.
A visit to rural Mpumalanga, where the MRC’s Rural and Public Health Transition Research Unit
conducts valuable research on rural populations revealed how critical long- term data collection
is. Over time, it helps with rural development, which is ultimately what will exemplify better health care in rural settings. In two separate articles, this edition highlights the difficulties of
conducting research in remote and hard-to-reach areas; how the same research collected under
challenging conditions informs health interventions nationally and even internationally; the value of community involvement; and the need to train more health demographers to sustain and support
current research.
We also take a closer look at how scientists relay their work to the public in the form of national
expos, workshops and school visits, in partnership with various local government departments. Like
the thousands of learners who are entertained by science experts, you will find that local science
festivals are fun events for all ages to enjoy. Educational materials, books, workshops and science
shows are available at science expos to entertain both young and old.
With the support of the education department, eight local primary schools have been part of a
pilot project to help learners make better food choices and increase their overall physical energy.
HealthKick is a World Diabetes Foundation initiative, which is aimed at reducing the health-risk
profile of learners from an early age.
We hope you enjoy this and every future edition of MRC News, because it offers you, our valued
Readers, exclusive coverage on a wide range of health-related topics.
Lenadine Koza
E-mail: lenadine.koza@mrc.ac.za |
(MRC News, July 2011, available in pdf format, 1268 kb)
Executive Manager: Sarah Bok
Division Manager: Julian Jacobs
Editor: Lenadine Koza
Design: Carron Finnan
Photography: Allen Jefthas
Contributors:
- Prof. Himla Soodyall
- Prof. Steve Tollman
- Ms Rhian Twine
- Ms Vera Adams
- Prof. Tim Noakes
- Dr Sangeetha Madhaven
- Ms
Neziswa Titi
- Dr Anniza De Villiers
- Prof. Vicky Lambert
- Ms Jillian Hill
- Prof. Valerie Corfield
- Dr Lester Davids
- Dr Robea Ballo
|
