About Us
The Health Equity Research Institute (HERI) was founded to bridge the gap in clinical research access between urban centres and underserved communities in South Africa.
The Ladysmith branch is located within the Alfred Duma Local Municipality which has an estimated population of 340 000 people and is part of the larger UThukela District Municipality which has an estimated total population of 724 000 inhabitants. The Mthatha branch is located within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, which forms part of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The local municipality has an estimated population of over 450,000, while the broader OR Tambo District is home to approximately 1.5 million people. The site is situated in close proximity to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Walter Sisulu University, serving as a strategic hub for health research and clinical collaboration in the region.
Who We Are
With highly experienced personnel and a strong commitment to ethical standards, HERI is poised to become one of the country’s leading clinical trial sites.
Our research sites in Ladysmith and Mthatha are strategically positioned within healthcare-rich environments and supported by a team of professionals with deep community ties. We uphold the highest standards of participant safety, regulatory compliance, and data integrity.
Vision: To become a premier hub for ethical clinical trials in South Africa.
Mission: To conduct impactful, inclusive research that advances healthcare outcomes for underserved populations.
What We Do
The Health Equity Research Institute (HERI) is dedicated to advancing health equity through innovative research, analysis, and collaboration. Our work focuses on:
- Conducting clinical trials from Phase 1 to Phase 4
- Conducting research to identify and address health inequities
- Analyzing social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes
- Developing evidence-based solutions to promote health equity
- Collaborating with stakeholders to translate research findings into policy and practice
- Building capacity for health equity research and analysis
Our Key Areas of Focus
- Health disparities and inequities
- Social determinants of health
- Health systems and policy analysis
- Community-based research and interventions
- Capacity building and training