The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Lifestyle Diseases research niche area and Stadt Primary School hosted an International Child Health Day at Barolong Ratshidi Hall on 14 October 2022.

According to Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about lifestyle diseases and the prevalence thereof in primary schools of the North-West province.

“We need to determine what learners know and understand about lifestyle diseases and appraise the association between health-related quality of life and lifestyle diseases in schools. Furthermore, we have to develop strategies for the prevention, care, and management of chronic diseases associated with lifestyles that are compatible or culturally acceptable at individual, community, and societal levels,” she added.

Prof Efe Useh, director of the Lifestyle Diseases niche area said lifestyle-related conditions are largely preventable.

“Unequivocal evidence exists that the combination of health policy at societal level and health education at individual and family level would largely prevent, manage, and in some cases reverse these conditions,” said Prof Useh.

He stressed the importance of educating learners about matters such as optimal nutrition, weight control, physical activity and exercise, optimal sleep, stress management and the danger of smoking.

Stadt Primary School Principal Marina Manyaapelo said they are grateful for partnering with the university on this project.

“We are greatly honoured and value the support from the NWU and other stakeholders,” she said, adding that the event was one of its kind and that the learners have learned a lot.

Besides focusing on sharing information on environmental care, nutrition and demonstrating effective hand washing, Stadt Primary School learners entertained everyone with a traditional, gumboots and Sarafina dance.

Other stakeholders who also shared messages of support were the departments of Health, Education and Water and Sanitation, and the South African Social Security Agency.

 From left are Prof Efe Useh, Prof Sonia Swanepoel and Marina Manyaapelo at the International Child Health Day at Barolong Ratshidi Hall.