2025 School of Public Health Biennial Research Day
- FHS Communications
The School of Public Health (SPH) Biennial Research Day, held on 6 November 2025 at the Wits SPH Building in Parktown, brought together researchers, students, and public health leaders under the theme: “Accelerating equitable policy and practice through public health research in Africa.”
The day began with welcome remarks by Associate Professor Tobias Chirwa, Head of the Wits School of Public Health. He emphasised the value of the school’s bi-annual research event and the vital role of public health research in Africa. Professor Chirwa highlighted that meaningful progress requires stronger collaboration between researchers, government and communities, and stressed the need to ensure that the work produced at Wits does not remain academic but is translated into real policy and practice. “Events like this are essential because they remind us why our work matters. Public health research must not stay on paper; it must translate into real change for communities”.
Caption: Professor Tobias Chirwa delivering his opening remarks
Research Funding Equity
This set the tone for a day as a keynote panel followed, addressing “Public Health Research Funding in the Wake of USAID – Implications for Equity.” Esteemed speakers included Professors Shabir Madhi (Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences), Sue Goldstein (Director, Wits MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science), and Ntobeko Ntusi (CEO, SAMRC).
Discussions explored sustainable funding models and their impact on African health systems.
Prof Sue underscored the importance of funding models that support research grounded in community needs and capable of shaping effective national policies. She noted that “strong, sustainable investment is essential for work that genuinely improves people’s lives”.
Caption: Keynote speakers of the day (L-R): Profs Shabir Madhi, Ntobeko Ntusi and Sue Goldstein
Parallel Sessions
Three rounds of parallel sessions showcased cutting-edge research across a diversity of sub-themes. Topics ranged from economic evaluations of health interventions, climate-related health risks, to technological innovations in healthcare delivery.
The themes explored during the parallel sessions reflect the urgent need to address health inequities in Africa. These included sub-topics such as:
- Innovative Public Health Methods,
- Elevating Community Voices,
- Private Sector, Political and Commercial Determinants, and
- Closing the gaps
These topics are rooted in the social context of persistent disparities in access to care. By focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and systemic accountability, the sessions underscored how research can drive equitable policy and practice.
Caption: Research day attendees from faculty schools and research entities
Awards
The event concluded with a keynote panel on accelerating equitable policy and practice, featuring Associate Professor Tracey Naledi (Deputy Dean for Social Accountability and Health Systems, UCT), Mr Nzama Mbalati (CEO, HEALA), Professor Chris Desmond (Strategic Adviser, PRICLESS), and Mr Ramphelane Morewane (Acting Deputy Director-General, National Department of Health).
A lively discussion emphasised actionable strategies for translating research into policy.
Finally, the closing ceremony and prize-giving, chaired by Dr Olukemi Babalola and Dr Tanya Ruder, celebrated outstanding contributions.
The award winners are listed as follows:
Oral presentation prize winners
- Student Winner: Amukelani Sambo
- Researcher Winner: Jackie Kleynhans
Poster presentation prize winners
- Researcher Winner: Nkhluleko Ndlangamandla
- Student Winner: Funmilola Olanike Wuraola
Nurturing a Generation of Young Researchers
The Biennial Research Day was more than a showcase of groundbreaking studies—it was a platform for students to engage with pressing public health challenges and present innovative solutions. From exploring health equity and social determinants to leveraging technology for real-world impact, student researchers demonstrated how fresh perspectives can shape the future of healthcare.
A standout moment was the presentation by Amukelani Sambo, a second-year BHSc Biomedical Sciences student, on “Ageing Across the Spectrum.” Her research, part of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP) facilitated by Columbia University, examines strategies for Healthy Ageing across diverse populations.
She explains the relevance of the topic: “While medical and technological advancements have extended life expectancy, reduced frailty and promoting functional longevity are equally essential. Unfortunately, fragmented policy efforts across countries limit coordinated progress.”
Amukelani’s insightful work earned her the Best Student Speaker Award, emphasising the importance of youth-led contributions to global health challenges.
She says speaking in a professional capacity was a roller-coaster, but the positive feedback from the audience validated her efforts. “It was in that moment, since I’d started this degree, that I’d felt like my voice in the research space truly mattered,” shares Sambo.
The ICEP consortium, which Wits joined in 2024, brings together health science students from medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences, and allied health professions worldwide. The group plans to publish a white paper on Healthy Ageing and is considering a journal article to share findings more broadly.