Health Sciences

Fourth-year social work conference highlights student achievements

The North-West University's (NWU’s) subject group Social Work’s annual conference once again highlighted the achievements of fourth-year social work students, according to their block practicum experiences.

The event brought together students, academics, South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) members and practice supervisors for a day of presentations, learning and inspiration.

Submitted on Tue, 01/21/2025 - 08:33

Social work students pledge their dedication

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Social Work celebrated its annual Solemn Declaration Ceremony, a significant event for social work students across the university.

The ceremony was organised by senior lecturer Tasleem Sayed from the Potchefstroom Campus, Dr Lucé Pretorius, deputy subject group leader and senior lecturer from the Vanderbijlpark Campus, and Ellen Tlhojane from the Mahikeng Campus.

Submitted on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 11:17

Lessons from Covid-19 can help strengthen maternal healthcare

By Tiyiselani Miyambu

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted maternal healthcare in rural communities, exposing vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. A master’s study by Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi, a PhD student in social sciences with sociology from the North-West University (NWU), focuses on women’s experiences in Mmabatho during this challenging period. Her findings highlight key lessons for strengthening healthcare systems in the future.

Submitted on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 09:51

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.

Submitted on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 09:17

World Prematurity Day: Raising awareness about preterm birth

World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, is a global awareness day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of preterm birth and the impact it has on families and communities worldwide.

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation), making preterm birth a leading cause of death in children under five years old. World Prematurity Day aims to highlight the urgent need for action to reduce preterm birth rates and improve care for preterm infants.

The global impact of preterm birth

Submitted on Wed, 12/04/2024 - 06:46

North-West University expertise puts rural women’s mental health in the spotlight

They are too often forgotten and relegated to an afterthought – their plight unheard, their future uncertain. They are the women in South Africa’s low- and middle-income communities who suffer from perinatal mental health issues, and the North-West University (NWU) is putting their needs in the spotlight.

Submitted on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 09:55

Animal health students present entrepreneurial solutions for agriculture

By Gofaone Motsamai

Instead of focusing on formal employment when they graduate, final-year animal health science students at the North-West University (NWU) are tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit to explore ways to generate an income.

As part of a specialised entrepreneurship module, students from the School of Agricultural Sciences showcased their innovative business proposals at a pitching session on 15 November.

Submitted on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 08:20

Academic honoured with Nurse Researcher Award

Prof Leepile Sehularo, a professor of Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing at the North-West University (NWU), has received the Nurse Researcher Award at the South African Nursing Council (SANC) Nursing Excellence Awards. The ceremony took place at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on 8 November 2024.

This award celebrates significant contributions to nursing research and forms part of the SANC’s 80th anniversary.

Submitted on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:11