The Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The dynamic one-day hybrid-event brought together community champions - including academics, community leaders, practitioners and students - to explore the potential of engaged scholarship.

Participants from various sectors shared their experiences and insights, making the Indaba an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue.

Without the help of a particular enzyme, HIV/Aids cannot replicate itself and take over the body’s cells. Dr Andrew Motsilanyane, a recent PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has been targeting this enzyme, HIV-1 protease, in research that could open up new possibilities for drug development.

On 18 July the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences will host the Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to exploring the intersections of academic research, community engagement and societal impact.

Taking place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, this event is set to attract scholars, practitioners, community leaders and students, all eager to discuss and showcase the transformative potential of engaged scholarship.

Dr Monray Williams, a senior lecturer in the subject group Biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), has been announced a finalist in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2024 in the Science, Technology, and Innovation category.

This annual feature by the Mail & Guardian newspaper celebrates 200 young South Africans, aged 35 and under, who are making significant contributions in their fields.

They are vital hours and every one of them matters. They are the window that can change the course of a child’s life for the better, and the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that those first 24 to 72 hours after birth is optimised to safeguard newborn health.

Africa is facing a challenge in ensuring food security due to contamination of agricultural products by toxic fungi and their byproducts, mycotoxins, amid climate change.

This is according to Prof Mulunda Mwanza, who delivered his inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU) on 6 June 2024.

"Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, which infect staple crops including maize, peanuts, wheat, rice and various tree nuts,” he explained.

The North-West University (NWU) made a significant mark at the North West Provincial Nursing Awards held on 23 May 2024 at the Sun City Convention Centre.

The event, organised by the North West Department of Health, recognised outstanding contributions and excellence in the nursing profession. These awards also show appreciation for the dedication and selflessness of nurses in the province, and motivate them to uphold and improve the standards of nursing education and practice in the North West province.

Nurses should be celebrated for countless reasons. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system and touch the lives of individuals and communities in profound ways.

Nurses Day, observed annually on 12 May, commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year, amidst the ongoing global health crisis, the significance of nurses and the challenges they face are more evident than ever.

The School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) is keeping up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Anatomy and physiology education have been completely revolutionised by the recently introduced anatomage table, which visualises anatomy as it would appear on a fresh cadaver. This initiative is evidence that the NWU is continuing to put its students first.

After extensive planning, the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the North West Department of Health, will establish a medical school and contribute to training world-class medical graduates.