Driving South Africa's health sector forward: a commitment to innovation and growth
Driving South Africa's health sector forward: a commitment to innovation and growth
In a nation grappling with unique health challenges and a rapidly evolving global medical landscape, South Africa is standing at a critical juncture. The need for innovative health solutions tailored to our specific circumstances has never been more pressing. From combating infectious diseases to addressing non-communicable health issues and striving for universal health coverage, the challenges are as diverse as they are complex. It is in this context that the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), together with its partners, has emerged as a key driver of health innovation in South Africa.
The Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) involvement in health innovation initiatives stems from a recognition that science, technology and innovation are crucial levers for improving public health outcomes and fostering economic growth. By investing in local research, development and innovation capabilities, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has undertaken to not only address pressing health needs but also position South Africa as a leader in the global health industry.
Through a series of strategic projects, investments and collaborations, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is actively involved in the country’s health innovation efforts as well as various facets of the health sector. Here are just some of the initiatives under the department’s banner:
- NuMeRI (Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure): Revolutionising disease diagnosis and treatment through advanced nuclear medicine technologies.
- DIPLOMICS: Building world-class Omics capabilities to support cutting-edge research and precision medicine.
- Biovac: Developing and manufacturing vaccines locally to enhance health security and reduce dependency on imports.
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Unlocking traditional wisdom to innovate products in health, beauty and nutrition.
Each of these initiatives represents a significant step forward in our nation's health innovation journey.
NuMeRI: Pioneering advanced diagnostics and treatment
The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) stands at the forefront of the department’s efforts to help revolutionise how we approach disease diagnosis and treatment. By investing in cutting-edge nuclear medicine research and development, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has helped enabled the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) to offer next-generation imaging equipment that's transforming precision medicine.
Key features of the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) include:
- zEarly and accurate diagnosis of conditions like tuberculosis, cancer and heart diseases
- Advanced drug development capabilities
- Cutting-edge clinical research in precision medicine
Professor Mike Sathekge, a leading figure at the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), emphasises the organisation's core mission: "As a non-profit organisation that is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), our purpose is to translate health innovation research into solutions that positively impact healthcare.”
The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure’s (NuMeRI) services extend beyond public and private hospitals and universities, reaching pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers and practitioners both locally and internationally. This broad reach underscores South Africa's growing influence in the global bioeconomy and opens up numerous opportunities for private sector collaboration.
DIPLOMICS: Advancing Omics sciences for precision healthcare
In the era of personalised medicine, the power of Omics sciences cannot be overstated. Recognising this, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has invested heavily in DIPLOMICS, a national network of research and service laboratories dedicated to advancing Omics capabilities in South Africa.
DIPLOMICS offers:
- State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
- Advanced training for technicians
- A centralised Omics resource portal
- Comprehensive Omics research support
Dr. Tim Newman, a key industry leader in DIPLOMICS, highlights the initiative's impact: “We support the research community, especially universities by providing access to research facilities, training and bioinformatic data to support research design and outcomes nationally. We also support researchers in the Healthcare industry who are innovating in the fields of precision medicine that enables targeted and effective treatment.”
By encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing, DIPLOMICS is not just advancing scientific understanding but also creating a fertile ground for innovation in the private sector. Companies looking to leverage Omics technologies for drug discovery, diagnostics or personalised treatment plans will find DIPLOMICS an invaluable resource and potential partner.
Biovac: Ensuring health security through local vaccine production
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of local vaccine production capabilities. the Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) partnership with Biovac, established in 2003, exemplifies how public-private collaborations can drive rapid innovation to meet pressing societal needs.
Biovac's achievements include:
- Local production of critical vaccines, including those for tuberculosis, measles, pneumonia and tetanus to name a few
- Recent $5 million allocation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Development of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and Lassa fever
Ebrahim Mohamed from Biovac underscores the strategic importance of their work: “The importance of local vaccine development and manufacturing lies in reducing dependency on imports, enhancing national health management and fortifying security by suppling vaccines both locally and internationally.”
This initiative not only enhances South Africa's health security but also positions local businesses at the forefront of global vaccine innovation and production.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Bridging traditional wisdom and modern science
In a unique approach to health innovation, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has tapped into South Africa's rich heritage of indigenous knowledge. Through investments in the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is supporting the development of health, beauty and nutritional products rooted in traditional wisdom.
This initiative offers:
- Commercialisation and protection of South Africa’s indigenous knowledge
- Development of medicinal teas, natural supplements and cannabis personal care products
- Comprehensive support from product research to manufacturing process optimisation
- Training and policy guidance for indigenous knowledge holders
Professor Matsabisa eloquently captures the essence of this initiative: “Our cultural heritage includes centuries' worth of knowledge and insight, tested over time, that can be adopted and adapted for use today to enable communities and modern societies to contribute and become part of the mainstream economy, health, well-being and survival."
This approach not only drives innovation but also creates unique opportunities for SMMEs in the health sector, particularly in niche markets that leverage South Africa's biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
How to access local innovation and help grow the country’s health industry
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) continues to support local health innovations in research, development and manufacturing. This investment has a positive impact on the local health industry while aligning with South Africa’s bioeconomy strategy.
To learn more about these innovations, please visit innovation.bridge.info, where you can gain additional information, meet the project leaders and engage in discussions to find out more.
DSI, making sure it’s possible.