The emergence of the Omicron variant of SARS-COV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) has caused global alarm. This variant was sequenced by South African scientists and made public on 24 November 2021. On receiving this news, the United Kingdom promptly banned travel to South Africa as well as 6 other
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What has changed for rural South African women in the last 25 years
The MRC/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit has, for nearly three decades, engaged in population research in the rural Agincourt area of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Rural communities have witnessed and participated in political, economic, socio-demographic changes, and experienced changes to their health status. In this article in The Conversation, Ryan Wagner, Chodziwadziwa
Identifying the genetic risk factors of kidney disease
African Research on Kidney Disease (ARK) is a research collaboration focused on understanding kidney disease in sub-Saharan Africa, with study sites in Malawi, Uganda, and South Africa. ARK’s multi-centre research consortium includes researchers from all three countries, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), and most recently, Variant Bio
Wits University Covid-19 Heroes, Dr Bianca Moffett and Dr Jacques du Toit
Hearty congratulations to Dr Bianca Moffett and Dr Jacques du Toit for well-deserved recognition as Wits University Covid-19 Heroes! This acknowledgement recognised their efforts with Hlayisekani and other Covid-19 readiness and outreach programmes to protect the rural communities of Bushbuckridge, in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Read about Bianca and Jacques’
VAPAR adapts its process
Supporting CHWs to connect with communities in rural South Africa during COVID-19
Conversation article by Dr Ryan Wagner on traditional healers and their access to PPE
https://theconversation.com/traditional-healers-in-south-africa-are-exposed-to-infection-but-few-can-get-protective-gear-155412
Breaking news – Pedzisai Ndagurwa got his PhD
Dr Pedzisai Ndagurwa was conferred his PhD in person at Wits on Monday the 14th December. This was the only in person graduation at Wits this year. Dr Ngadurwa, who runs our SAPRIN annual updates, obtained his PhD through the Department of Demography and Population Studies at Wits University, the
CARTA @ 10 Scientific Conference
CARTA fellows and graduates will come together in a virtual Scientific Conference scheduled for 03-04 December 2020 to present and discuss their research work. The audience will have a chance to hear about the presenters’ work in health systems and non-communicable diseases, ageing, sexual and reproductive health rights, infectious diseases,
Awards
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently announced Kathleen Kahn as a recipient of the 2020 Alumni Award of Merit. Kathy, who received her Masters in Public Health from Harvard in 1988, was recognized for her outstanding career and contributions in public health in South Africa and abroad
Rural doctors gather online to share knowledge
During a time of physical disconnection, video conferencing has created a virtual space for people to gather and share knowledge in ways previously not considered. In the spirit of strengthening rural health systems, Dr Jacques du Toit from the MRC/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit organised a webinar in collaboration with the Rural