Science in service of health: WHO and CSIR explore collaboration for Africa
Pretoria, South Africa. A visit by WHO Regional Director for Africa Professor Mohamed Janabi to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research highlighted how African science, technology and partnership can help strengthen health security and build more resilient health systems.
Professor Mohamed Janabi, Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, met senior leaders of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at its Pretoria campus during an official visit to South Africa. The engagement focused on how the CSIR’s scientific capabilities and WHO’s public health mandate could be brought closer together to support health security, stronger health systems and locally driven solutions across the African Region.
He was received by Dr Rachel Chikwamba, CSIR Group Executive for Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences, and other CSIR leaders. Their discussions provided an overview of the institution’s research portfolio and opened a practical conversation about where its technologies, infrastructure and expertise intersect with public health priorities.
Founded through an Act of Parliament in 1945, the CSIR undertakes directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation to advance South Africa’s social and economic development. Its work spans health and agro-processing, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, energy, water and environmental sustainability—areas that increasingly shape health outcomes, preparedness and resilience.
Throughout the visit, the Regional Director heard about capabilities ranging from pilot plants and materials research to