Assessment of SDG 3 research priorities and COVID-19 recovery pathways: a case study from University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorFrantz, Josè
dc.contributor.authorErasmus, Pearl
dc.contributor.authorMagidigidi-Mathiso, Lumka
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-22T06:18:17Z
dc.date.available2026-01-22T06:18:17Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3, particularly in developing countries, exacerbating existing health disparities and creating new challenges for health systems worldwide. This study explores the role of university research in advancing SDG 3 targets in a post-pandemic context using the University of the Western Cape as a case study. Through qualitative data analysis of research titles and abstracts registered between 2020 and 2022, we applied the WHERETO model of McTighe and Bloom’s Taxonomy to categorize research according to the SDG 3 targets and indicators. This approach provides insight into which health priorities were addressed through scholarly research at UWC in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly during pandemic recovery. Our findings indicate that research priorities largely corresponded with South Africa’s health challenges, with the highest concentration of studies addressing non-communicable diseases and mental health (Target 3.4), infectious diseases (Target 3.3), and medicine development (Target 3.b). These priorities align with the National Health Research Committee’s identified health priorities for disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. Notably, research on mental health and emergency preparedness (Target 3.d) increased significantly during the pandemic period, reflecting shifting priorities in response to COVID-19. This study offers critical insights into how university research shifted priorities adapted during the pandemic and identifies areas requiring focused attention to support post-pandemic recovery. By highlighting research gaps and opportunities, our findings provide a foundation for developing more comprehensive approaches to health research that address the disparities exacerbated by COVID-19 while advancing the 2030 agenda. This model could inform research prioritization at other institutions facing similar challenges in both local and global contexts
dc.identifier.citationFrantz, J. M. et al. (2025) Assessment of SDG 3 Research Priorities and COVID-19 Recovery Pathways: A Case Study from University of the Western Cape, South Africa. International journal of environmental research and public health. [Online] 22 (7), 1057.
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071057
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/21801
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
dc.subjectCOVID-19
dc.subjectDeterminants
dc.subjectHealth priorities
dc.subjectInterventions
dc.subjectPandemic recovery
dc.titleAssessment of SDG 3 research priorities and COVID-19 recovery pathways: a case study from University of the Western Cape, South Africa
dc.typeArticle

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
frantz_assessment_of_SDG_3_research_priorities_2025.pdf
Size:
857.09 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download

Collections

Research Articles (Physiotherapy)