In line with its mandate to strengthen public health research that responds to community needs, the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU) hosted a Stakeholder Public Engagement Forum on 07th October 2026.
The forum brought together representatives from government, academia, the municipality, local health facilities and HIDRU Community Advisory Boards (CAB); as well as people from other parts of the public sector, to discuss shared health priorities and explore opportunities for future collaboration. SAMRC President and CEO Prof Ntobeko Ntusi welcomed the delegates; and acknowledged them for their valued partnerships in advancing clinical research. His message emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing relevant, responsive research that responds to South Africa’s health priorities and improves quality of life.
HIDRU Unit Director, Prof Catherine Orrell opened the programme by outlining the unit’s research focus, highlighting studies implemented in communities and reflecting on how communities have received this work. She noted that strengthening strategic partnerships will be a major priority for HIDRU over the next five years.
Academic stakeholders, including research professionals from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, reflected on the province’s extensive HIV research and its contribution to improving the health and quality of life of people living with HIV. They emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between research institutions and the Department of Health, as well as the need to communicate health information in ways that are clear, relevant and accessible to communities.
Ms Hlengiwe Magubane, from eThekwini Municipality highlighted that, although public awareness of HIV and its management have increased, communities continue to ask a pressing question: when will there be a cure? This concern reinforced the importance of sustained scientific research, transparent communication and meaningful engagement with the public about progress and remaining challenges in HIV research. In addition, eThekwini HIV AIDS Directorate Manager, Mrs Monica Jama explained the importance of reporting the results of research conducted by research organisations back to the eThekwini communities.
In her closing remarks, HIDRU Community Manager Ncengani Mthethwa thanked the stakeholders for their participation and valuable contributions. She emphasised that continued dialogue with communities and partners is essential to ensuring that research remains responsive to public health needs. Mthethwa encouraged stakeholders to build on the connections made during the forum and to pursue practical opportunities for collaboration that can strengthen trust, improve health communication and support better outcomes for communities.
Author
Zimasa Jam Jam
Science Writer & Editor
Corporate & Marketing Communications
E-mail: Zimasa.Jamjam@mrc.ac.za