aspects of paediatric and adult metabolic bone disease of particular relevance to South Africa, so as to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of the various conditions, and to optimise preventative and therapeutic approaches to their management; and the basic physiological and biochemical actions of vitamin D. The clinically based studies are directed towards determining the factors which influence bone mass and structure in women, and therefore the prevalence of postmenopausal fractures in different ethnic groups. Other areas of research include the effect of low dietary calcium intakes and malnutrition on bone and mineral homeostasis Director: Professor John M Pettifor
Perinatal HIV Research Unit
Situated at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital with major funding From the World Health Organisation, this unit is investigating strategies for the prevention of mother/infant transmission of HIV and aspects of paediatric HIV infection.
Directors: Dr G Gray (Paediatrics) and Dr J McIntyre (Obstetrics)
