On Friday 9 November Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) hosted its 2018 Stakeholder Year – End Function.
The event was attended by local government and traditional leadership as well as representatives from the KZN Health, Education and Social Development Departments, municipal representatives and AHRI’s Community Advisory Board. The event was held to acknowledge the important partnerships AHRI has with these entities. It was also a platform to recognise the role that communities play in health research.
In his keynote address reflecting on ‘How AHRI partnerships enable world-class research’, AHRI Director Prof Deenan Pillay pointed out that without AHRI’s partnerships with the Department of Health at hospital, district and provincial level, we wouldn’t be able to do our research. “We also would not be able to work without the support of the municipalities and the traditional leadership – who represent the people that we work with and allow us to work and live here. Thank you for sharing in our journey as AHRI; we depend on your support and we also serve you,” he said.
Members of the KZN Department of Health with AHRI Director and COO: (Front: l-r) Mr BP Fakude, Mr V Khoza, Mrs SF Mthimkhulu, Dr M Tshipuk, Prof. D Pillay (AHRI Director) (Back: l-r) Mr SR Dlamini (AHRI Research Nursing Manager), Mr K Dlamini (CEO Hlabisa Hospital), Mr R Zondo (AHRI COO), DR H Vaughan-Williams
The Department of Health’s Dr Hervey Vaughan-Williams shared his views on the impact of health research on government policy. He said that research done by institutes like AHRI helps the Department implement better systems and ways of working in communities to further improve health.
The event also gave the opportunity for a formal introduction of newly appointed AHRI Chief Operating Officer, Raynold Zondo. “I’m glad that the opportunity to finally meet most of our stakeholders came at an event where we celebrate the strong partnerships AHRI has established with communities and stakeholders. The appreciation shown by our stakeholders in the work we do is truly humbling,” he said.
Top photo: Executive members of the AHRI Community Advisory Board with AHRI Director and COO: L-R Mr Sipho Mkhwanazi, Ms Petty Dlamini, Mr Senzo Mvuyana, Prof. Deenan Pillay (AHRI Director), Mr Simeon Zulu, Mr Raynold Zondo (AHRI COO), Mr Robert Ndlanzi