Better Data, Better Decisions, Bigger Societal Impact
March 14 marks both Pi Day and the International Day of Mathematics (IDM). But mathematics isn’t just about numbers – it’s about impact. This year, SACEMA is honoured to receive the Societal Impact Award by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) – recognising our data-driven approach to infectious disease control and its impact on economy.
Why this matters: While π is most famous for circles, it plays a role in epidemiological modelling, helping predict, analyse, and control disease outbreaks. From spatial spread patterns to seasonal disease cycles, π-based calculations support public health decision-making and intervention planning. South Africa’s high disease burden strains healthcare resources, impacts workforce productivity, and limits economic growth. By leveraging mathematical modelling, SACEMA develops strategies to prevent disease outbreaks, save lives, and protect economies.
How modelling supports to economic resilience:
COVID-19 modelling – developed the National COVID Epi Model to project the incidence, mortality, and healthcare needs to shape SA’s COVID-19 response, preventing prolonged outbreaks.
HIV incidence estimator – adopted by the US Centres for Disease Control, ensures accurate HIV estimation to inform programmatic strategies.
Cervical cancer research – population-level impact estimates and evidence for the cost-effectiveness of new cervical cancer prevention strategies developed by SACEMA researcher, Cari van Schalkwyk guided South Africa’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy.
TB surveillance – Ongoing work in transmission dynamic modelling of TB in South Africa through the SACEMA-DTTC modelling group, aids in reducing work absences and productivity loss.
Capacity building – as a major player in modelling capacity building on the continent, SACEMA has hosted the International Clinics on Infectious Disease Dynamics and Data training initiatives, attended by more than 700 participants since 2007. Nearly 200 post-graduate students have obtained degrees in epidemiological modelling or analysis with SACEMA’s support. SACEMA’s innovative Policy Modelling Fellowship program focuses on building sustainable expertise in infectious disease modelling within the departments of health across the continent. Fellows from Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have been upskilled to interpret data and apply it to models.
Mathematics is more than numbers – it’s the foundation of smarter public health strategies. Just as π is essential in mathematics, modelling is essential to saving lives and strengthening economies.
Subscribe to stay updated with our latest news and
Follow us on LinkedIn for our latest insights.
