Associate Prof. Renier Coetzee
BPharm [North West University], MPharm [North West University], PharmD [Rhodes University]
Associate Professor
E: recoetzee@uwc.ac.za
Renier Coetzee is an Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Public Health (SOPH), where his primary research focus is on antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in improving antibiotic utilization in low- and middle-income countries.
At the School of Public Health, he is teaching Descriptive Epidemiology within the Postgraduate Diploma programme and Pharmaceutical Public Health within the MPH programme. His teaching efforts are complemented by active collaborations with the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, enhancing the global perspective and impact of his work.
Renier’s dedication to public health extends beyond academia, as he actively participates in various committees at both national and provincial levels. His roles include serving on the Provincial Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, the Provincial Medicines Use Evaluation Committee, and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee, all within the Western Cape. Additionally, Renier has served two terms as an expert reviewer on the National Department of Health Standard Treatment Guidelines Committee for Hospital Levels, evaluating and shaping healthcare policies.
Renier Coetzee’s contributions to academia and public health have earned him numerous prestigious awards, reflecting his outstanding work in teaching, community engagement, and healthcare improvement initiatives. These accolades include the University of the Western Cape Community Engagement Award (2020) from the Vice-Chancellor Academia, the Western Cape Department of Health Appreciation Award (2020) for collaborative research on safe medicine use, and the Global Health Advancement Preceptor of the Year (2018) award from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University. His earlier achievements include the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa’s Distinguished Teacher Award (2017) and multiple University of the Western Cape Excellence Awards for Emerging Teacher and Community Engagement in 2017 and 2020.
In addition to his academic and research endeavors, Renier plays a vital role in Touching Nations, an organization based in Delft, Cape Town, dedicated to community health, where he serves as the Vice-Chair of the board. He also lends his expertise to TB Proof, a civil society organization, advising on grant funding and research matters. Renier’s influence extends to the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), where he serves as the deputy president and has been recognized as a Fellow. His multifaceted involvement in academia, community health, and professional organizations underscores his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes both locally and nationally, leaving a lasting impact on the field.
Projects
In the news
UWC Academics Lead the Charge Against Aggressive Milk Formula Promotion
In a significant move to protect public health, academics from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are heading the fight against exploitative marketing practices, paving the way for a healthier future for all.
SAAHIP conference
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the local conversations on Pharmaceutical Public Health
What do I do with expired medicine? Don’t use it, for a start…
Proper medicine disposal is a critical yet often overlooked issue in South Africa. In a recent article published in The Conversation, Prof Coetzee highlights the risks associated with expired medicines, emphasizing the need for safer disposal practices to protect public health and the environment.
The Hidden Dangers of Improper Medication Disposal
The holiday season is approaching and clearing out cupboards and wardrobes is often part of the to-do-list for many. However, many South Africans are unaware of how to dispose of expired or surplus medication properly and are likely to flush it down the toilet.
Congratulations to Prof Renier on being appointed as the Deputy President of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA)!
We would like to extend our warm congratulations to Associate Professor Renier Coetzee of SOPH- UWC who has been appointed as the Deputy President of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA).
Pharmaceutical Public Health
In 2025 the School of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa will offer Pharmaceutical Policy and Management as an online semester module from July-November 2025. This module may be taken as an individual stand-alone module or as part of the Master of Public Health.
Pharmaceutical policies in health systems Course at ITM, Belgium.
Two SOPH staff members, Hazel Bradley and Renier Coetzee, co-facilitates in a 3-week course that equips participants with the tools to understand, analyse and propose strategies for strenghtening pharmaceutical systems and their role in universal health coverage.
Invitation: Pharmaceutical Public Health Webinar Series
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Pharmaceutical Public Health Webinar Series, where we will be discussing the latest advancements and challenges in promoting global health through the lens of pharmaceutical public health.