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

Centre of Excellence for Pharmacovigilance in Southern Africa (CEPSA)

The Centre of Excellence, located at UWC, with co-leadership and joint expertise at ITM, will lead initiatives to strengthen pharmacovigilance activities in South Africa and more broadly in the Southern African Region.

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance via Community-based Responsive Dialogues

This project, funded by ICARS (International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions) through a grant from Wellcome from February to December 2023, developed guidelines to facilitate Responsive Dialogues to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in LMIC settings.

South African higher education institutions as drivers of change for health and wellbeing

This project seeks to address the twin challenges of developing capacity for training and research in pharmaceutical public health and doctoral education, and contributing to the goal of strengthening health and pharmaceutical systems capable of sustainably addressing key threats to health.

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 2024 we will offer Pharmaceutical Policy and Management and Rational Medicines Use as online semester modules from July-November 2024. These modules may be taken as individual stand-alone modules or as part of the Master of Public Health. The Pharmaceutical Policy and Management Module will introduce participants to pharmaceutical policy and management issues within health systems. It will provide a foundation for pharmaceutical policy analysis, policy development and implementation skills at country and local levels. Selected areas include quality of medical products, pharmaceutical procurement and supply, human resources, and antimicrobials.

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.