East London, South Africa – Key stakeholders recently gathered for a vital retreat in East London. Specifically, the Eastern Cape Department of Health’s Strategic and Organizational Performance (SOP) cluster met to advance healthcare excellence. This event truly highlighted the power of collaboration and expert insights. Furthermore, it featured a significant contribution from the Synergy Biomed Research Institute (SBRI), a local leader in clinical research.
A Unified Front for Health Advancement
The SOP cluster is a vital part of the provincial health department. It includes four key units working together:
- Integrated Strategic Planning
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Epidemiology and Public Health Surveillance and Research
- Health Information Management and Systems
As a result of their teamwork, these units drive evidence-based strategic planning and improve healthcare delivery across the province.
Data-Driven Decisions and Research Insights
Throughout the retreat, presentations underscored the department’s commitment to a data-driven approach. For instance, Ms. Linda Mdingi Buqa of the Strategic Planning unit outlined the 2025/26 strategic objectives. In addition, Ms. Nosiphiwo Mgobo and Ms. Yvonne Gixela from the Epidemiology and Research Directorate highlighted their crucial role in public health surveillance. They also pointed to key collaborations with national bodies like the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Likewise, the group also focused on improving health data systems. Ms. Fezeka Mtyobile explained that digitisation and better data management are top priorities. Meanwhile, the Monitoring and Evaluation unit, under Ms. Gcobisa Gcazi, has already made great strides in improving reporting quality.
Empowering the Eastern Cape with SBRI
Dr. Mookho Malahlela, CEO of the Synergy Biomed Research Institute (SBRI), delivered a special address. In her speech, she detailed SBRI’s mission to conduct high-impact clinical trials and build essential research capacity within the Eastern Cape.
“The absence of science in the Eastern Cape prompted Synergy Biomed Research Institute to take action,” Dr. Malahlela stated. “Consequently, our goal is to provide training platforms that promote a culture of research. We want to break the fear of research and empower individuals in the region.”
Ultimately, this collaboration between the Eastern Cape Department of Health and SBRI signals a promising future, built on strategic planning, robust data, and a shared commitment to local innovation.
