A University of Cape Town expert in allergy research was recently acknowledged for his invaluable contribution to the field, reports News24.
Professor Jonny Peter, head of the division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at the UCT Lung Institute, was presented with the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) gold scientific award for impactful research that has improved clinical practice, informed global policy, and contributed to better health outcomes.
His work focuses on drug reactions in TB and HIV patients, and highlights the need to build research capacity and support early-career scientists in South Africa.
Peter said there was a pressing need for allergy research in this country because these types of diseases are increasing both locally and globally, and yet there is a shortage of specialist focus and a limited understanding of immunological and allergic diseases.
Recognised by the SAMRC as an authority in allergology, Peter’s work includes transforming clinical practice, informing global policy, as well as improving health outcomes for patients with conditions such as TB, HIV and allergic diseases.
He said the award was “a very meaningful recognition” of the work his team was doing and that it not only acknowledged him, but the work of many students, early career researchers, as well as the several collaborations they have had within Africa and internationally.
There are only about 14 allergologists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and in 2016, he became the first trained allergologist in the country with a base specialisation of adult internal medicine.
Peter said his research had impacted various aspects of clinical practice and global health policies.
“We’ve run the only multidisciplinary drug allergy clinic on the continent since 2016, and this work has led to several descriptions of clinical aspects unique in our people with HIV who develop severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. We’ve also pioneered several clinical management techniques that have actually been picked up internationally.”
SAMRC spokesperson Tendani Tsedu said the quality and relevance of Peter’s research was excellent and that SAMRC was honoured to recognise and celebrate it.
News24 article – UCT allergy researcher wins gold medal for groundbreaking work (Restricted access)
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