COVID-19 Conversations with PROFESSOR GLENDA GRAY

This week we speak to Professor Glenda Gray a global leader in the scientific and research landscape. A long-time activist and first female President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), whose mandate is to support the National Department of Health on the promise of a long and healthy life for all South Africans. Prof. Gray has been a strong voice for health activism and engagement with health institutions and the Government, a trailblazer who has lived through our nation’s “citizenship projects” for citizens as individuals and groups to exercise voice concerning health issues.

Prof. Gray sees humanitarian issues as tied to health issues as they carry threats to lives and populations’ wellbeing. A pediatrician by profession, our children’s health, and lives is something she has dedicated her life to improve. Today, Glenda finds herself at the helm of the SAMRC when the effects of COVID-19 have brought the world to a grinding halt. She is the Chair of the Research Committee of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 (her recent advisories focused on the effects of COVID-19 on the Education System). Glenda advises the Portfolio Committee on Health on the impact of alcohol on the pandemic’s health system. She works closely with former SANAC CEO and current Director-General of Health, Dr. Sandile Buthelezi reporting to Parliament.

Prof. Glenda Gray joined the webinar to strengthen the relationship between civil society and the SAMRC. She gave an overview of SAMRC’s mandate and work undertaken since the advent of COVID-19. The COVID-19 research and advocacy landscape is rapidly evolving and has not been free of controversy and an abundance of mixed messaging around transmission, risk prevention, mortality, and in recent weeks, the impact of alcohol availability and what we know currently about the vulnerability children. Prof. Gray had the opportunity to unpack all these issues on the webinar.