Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit

Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit is a South African academic research unit based at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Established in the mid 1990s, it is a university based public health research centre focused on life course health and development in low and middle income settings. The unit integrates epidemiology, genomics and social science to address major health transitions in Africa.

Its publications highlight strong leadership in HIV and ageing, cardiometabolic risk, obesity and hypertension, as well as bone health among women living with HIV. Through initiatives such as AWI Gen and multinational harmonised trials, the unit advances genomic discovery, longitudinal cohort science and cross country intervention research, strengthening evidence for prevention and policy.

Work on early childhood development, digital health tools and movement behaviours underscores a life course approach that spans preconception to older adulthood. The research demonstrates expertise in large scale cohort design, community based surveillance and translational public health, positioning the unit as a key contributor to health systems strengthening and equity focused research across sub Saharan Africa.