Researchers, government officials, and civil society leaders in the field of health sciences recently converged for a landmark research dissemination day hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).
Collaborative Efforts Drive Meaningful Change
Organised in partnership with the HEY BABY Project, an initiative affiliated with the University of Cape Town and the University of Oxford, the event, where researchers shared key findings with implementation partners, aimed to translate evidence into practical strategies to enhance health and expand opportunities for adolescent mothers and young people in the Eastern Cape and beyond.
The event held at the East London Health Resource Centre on 26 June, formed part of the Faculty’s Infectious Diseases Research Niche Area (RNA) flagship programme, reflecting FHS’s commitment to research that directly responds to community needs.
Stakeholders included the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Eastern Cape Departments of Health and Basic Education, Beyond Zero, the Special Projects Foundation, and Masithethe Counselling Services.
In her opening remarks, Prof Liezel Cilliers, FHS Dean, said: “This is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and strengthen health research in the Eastern Cape Province through sharing what we do and the results of these studies.”
Dr Hlengiwe Gwebu, Acting Deputy Dean, said the event was a critical step in ensuring the faculty’s research reaches those who need it most. “It provided a platform for our researchers to share key findings with implementation partners and allowed for reflection and dialogue on how evidence generated from these studies can contribute to our research niche areas and guide policy and programme improvement.”
Addressing Critical Health Challenges
The sessions covered a wide range of pressing issues affecting adolescent mothers and young people. Researchers explored education pathways to keep adolescent mothers in school, unveiled a new training toolkit for educators, and addressed the harsh realities of violence and abuse with field reflections and referral strategies.
Discussions also highlighted the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes, shared interventions to improve maternal and child wellbeing, examined gender differences in TB care, and presented evidence on supporting young mothers through counselling and mental health services.
The sessions further tackled HIV and sexual and reproductive health challenges, offering insights into clinical experiences and barriers to care. The day concluded with guided group discussions, a review of policy and programming implications, and a comprehensive service mapping exercise that identified existing resources, gaps in service delivery, and opportunities for coordinated action to better support adolescent mothers and young people in the province.
Research Findings Translated into Actionable Strategies
Ensuring research reaches beyond academia was a major theme of the day. “Our aim is clear: research must not stay on the shelf, it must inform decision-making and practice on the ground.”
“The findings presented offered timely, context-specific insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Stakeholders can use this evidence to inform programming, strengthen service delivery, and drive collaborative efforts to improve youth and community wellbeing,” Dr Gwebu highlighted.
Building Networks for Stronger Health Services
Reflecting on the value of international partnerships, Dr Gwebu said collaborating with world-class institutions like the University of Cape Town and the University of Oxford has brought significant value. “These partnerships enhance the scientific rigour of our research, facilitate knowledge exchange, and build capacity within our teams. Moreover, they enable us to co-create interventions that are both globally informed and locally relevant, ensuring greater impact and sustainability.”
“We see this event as a catalyst for future partnerships,” she said. “Several stakeholders expressed interest in co-developing research proposals, participating in implementation studies, and engaging in training activities. The dialogue we initiated here has laid a strong foundation for expanding our network of partners to jointly address key health and social challenges in the region.”
Dr Gwebu confirmed plans to make the event a regular feature on the Faculty’s calendar. “By doing so, we hope to foster a culture of evidence-informed practice that bridges the gap between research and impact.”