Human Interest

Behind the scenes of a pandemic

“A learning experience like no other.” This is how Prof Petra Bester, director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) at the North-West University (NWU), describes the unit’s exposure to the inner workings of the North West province’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the early days of the pandemic, AUTHeR embarked on a unique journey with the North West Department of Health (NWDoH) – a journey that highlighted the value of transdisciplinary research.

Submitted on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 11:05

NWU researcher investigates role of traditional medicine in skin disorders

Many people rely on traditional plant remedies to treat skin disorders, and now a North-West University (NWU) researcher has investigated why these plants are effective, paving the way for further research by the pharmaceutical industry.

“The use of indigenous knowledge in providing primary healthcare, especially in most indigenous African communities, is as old as human history,” says Dr John Awungnjia Asong, researcher and recent PhD graduate.

Submitted on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 10:53