Introduction
Working Towards a Brighter Future
Cancer & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU) offers unique opportunities for epidemiologic, outcomes, health services, social and behavioral health and population health, including community-based research. The department’s mission is to discover the means of understanding health and healthcare. This department conducts research to address health and healthcare delivery across patients, providers, the health plan and the population, and has demonstrated an ability to attract key external partners and funding to sponsor research efforts.
Our Vision
The Vision of the Cancer & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU) is to be International Cancer Research Institute (ICRCI) that that bolsters excellence in health research, where outstanding scientists collaboratively generate transformative scientific advances that lead to the prevention, treatment and cures of cancer and infectious diseases for the betterment of the Southern African Community (SADC) Region, and Africa and beyond.
Our Mission & Goal
Cancers and infections are responsible for many major lost in Africa. CIDERU is created to unite expert from very diverse background to synergize and share their competencies toward the unique challenges of cancer and infections in Africa.
The mission of CIDERU is:
To conduct basic, clinical, epidemiological and public health research that is innovative and pertinent to the needs of the African people.
To generate evidence that can contribute to improving public health by preventing and reducing infections, cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality.
To develop scientific capacity in cancer research, infectious diseases research and public health research in general.
To influence health policy and practice by translating scientific discoveries and applying them in our communities.
To build partnerships with other Research Institutes and Research Centres in the SADC region and beyond.
It has been established that the cancer burden is underreported and thus under-addressed in the current healthcare system. By raising awareness through fact-based positioning, the CIDERU will have direct impact on policy decisions and funding priorities to improve the provision of cancer and other infectious diseases care in South Africa and SADC as a whole.
Cancer & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU) at Glance
A Bit of Background: Here at CIDERU, are specialised units that address the most important diseases affecting South African and other people worldwide.
Core Areas of Focus
Cancer Research: At CIDERU, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing issues, such as: Cancer Research which includes; Prevention, Diagnosis, Care and Treatment (HPV-associated Cancers, Lung Cancer, Breast cancer and Pediatric cancers).
Epidemiology: With this initiative, our goal is to promote great research opportunities for those in the field of Epidemiology, especially in Cancer & Infectious epidemiology research (mainly HPV, HPV/HIV co-infection and other STIs).
Sexual Reproductive Health Research: With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Our focus will be Prevention and control of STIs, particularly HPV infection, HPV/HIV co-infection, and other STIs such Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT), Neisseria Gonorrhoea (NG), Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) , Syphilis),Evaluation of complex sexual health interventions in general practice, Sexual health care access in rural communities.
Population & Community Health: At CIDERU, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in Population and Community Health, including research on rural communities;
Environmental Health: With this initiative, our goal is to promote good environmental health for those in need. With access to the right resources, we can conduct more research on how the local environment influences health of the people in those communities.
Science of Health Care Delivery: We strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Our Challenge is to seek solutions to simultaneously improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER): At CIDERU, we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. We are always striving to make a difference, especially in emphasizing health economics and the application of novel methods that improve the validity of findings.
Translational Research: With this initiative, our goal is to conduct research on Social and Behavioral health, characterizing behavioral conditions and co-occurring illness influenced by social and behavioral issues. Addressing the most challenging barrier to improving outcomes – patient’s health needs and care delivery models that improve access and outcomes.