HART researcher steps into key SA Heart® leadership role

Researchers from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at the North-West University (NWU) are making meaningful contributions to cardiovascular health in southern Africa. A member of this dedicated team, Prof Ruan Kruger, will now also contribute to the workings of the professional organisation representing cardiologists and…

Prof Welma Lubbe appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal

Professor Welma Lubbe from the North-West University’s (NWU) Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) Research Focus Area has been appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal, a leading open-access, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in breastfeeding.

The journal, published…

Celebrating Breastfeeding Week: Why we need to do more

Breastfeeding is every person’s first start in life, yet millions of South African mothers stop within weeks. A simple change in position or early expert support can make the difference between quitting and success. Myths, short maternity leave, and lack of workplace facilities are costing babies their best food. Supporting breastfeeding isn’…

Growing together, hand in hand, at Witrand Hospital

A spirit of collaboration and compassion is flourishing at Witrand Hospital, thanks to the innovative Taking HANDS community engagement project led by the Presence team of the North-West University (NWU) School of Nursing and NuMIQ research focus area. This inspiring initiative is transforming the hospital environment, fostering unity among…

Prof Welma Lubbe appointed to global committee for newborn brain care

Prof Welma Lubbe from the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area at the North-West University (NWU) has been appointed as the nursing representative on the global committee for the Newborn Brain Society.

Prof Lubbe, who is the director of NuMIQ and focuses her research on neonatal care in the Faculty of Health…

Achieving Africa’s vision: why universities must return to serving society

By Prof Ushotanefe Useh

Universities in Africa stand at a crossroads today. While they continue to produce research, award degrees and rank in global academic listings, an uncomfortable question lingers: are they truly serving the societies that fund and sustain them? Are their graduates solving the most…

Dr Sabelile Tenza leads the charge in healthcare innovations in Nairobi

In order to enhance healthcare throughout Africa, it is crucial to equip frontline healthcare workers with the necessary tools and confidence to drive change. However, their hard work often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

Dr Sabelile Tenza, an expert in healthcare quality and patient safety, helped to shine a spotlight on these unsung…

Inaugural lecture explores promising tools to tackle drug-resistant diseases

In drug development, a “magic bullet” is a compound designed to kill disease-causing organisms without harming healthy cells. Such compounds are needed now more than ever because diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and sleeping sickness, which kill more than 10 million people each year, are becoming resistant to existing treatments.

Young biochemist’s rooibos and broccoli research offers hope for heart disease

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the world’s leading killers, but everyday foods like rooibos tea and broccoli may hold the key to protecting the heart, according to new research from the North-West University (NWU).

This was the core finding of the PhD study of Dr Sinenhlanhla Xoliswa Happiness Mthembu, who explored plant-based…

NWU vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, pleads for aligned academic hospital in North West

NWU vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, pleads for aligned academic hospital in North West

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has lauded Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that plans are in place to add to the country’s ten academic hospitals.

Minister…