The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA) is a national research centre established under the Centre of Excellence programme of the Department of Science & Technology and the National Research Foundation. SACEMA specialises in the mathematical modelling of diseases prevalent in South Africa, Southern Africa and the African continent.  The immediate aim of the research is to understand and predict the development of various diseases, and thereby to provide advice on how best to combat them. This centre is linked to the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). Prof John Hargrove, who has an excellent network in this field in Southern Africa, was appointed as director of the centre. 

SACEMA has played a major part in the analysis of the public health consequences of establishing safe medical male circumcision as a public health measure. The results of their research were published in 2006 with five SACEMA associates as co-authors. These results are now widely accepted and policy measures have been put in place to encourage male circumcision as a means to reduce the infection rate of HIV and Aids.

At present SACEMA is highly involved in promoting the possibility of using antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a tool for reducing HIV incidence – with a view to eradicating the epidemic entirely. SACEMA has proven through research that this is not only theoretically possible, but whereas it would involve a large initial cost, it would actually be cost-saving in the long run. SACEMA workers are currently involved in planning a trial of the method to be carried out in South Africa and Zambia.

Contact person: Prof. John Hargrove
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website link: http://www0.sun.ac.za/sacema/