Health Sciences

NWU will contribute to world-class medical doctors

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:18:04 +0000

NWU will contribute to world-class medical doctors

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/23/2024 - 11:18

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.

This is perfect timing, considering that South Africa has a dire shortage of medical doctors, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, and this shortage of doctors can have catastrophic consequences for the country’s healthcare and economic sectors, which are already under severe strain. In the public sector, South Africa has 0,37 doctors per 1 000 people, which is in stark contrast to the WHO’s minimum recommendation of one doctor per 1 000 people.

The NWU Medical School will address this dilemma and aid in providing a different healthcare scenario for the country’s citizens. An estimated 70 000 to 80 000 more doctors are needed to buffer the existing shortage, and at the current rate of medical graduates completing their studies, this will take more than 40 years to rectify – without considering population growth.

By establishing South Africa’s 11th medical school, the NWU will also supplement the number of doctors in North West, where there are only 0,21 doctors per 1 000 people. It is an abysmal figure, and intervention is urgently needed.

“For the NWU, it is about more than just providing medical graduates of quality for the health workforce. A part of the university's mission is to be responsive to the health needs of North West, the country and the continent at large. This medical programme will be the most extensive and complex ever presented by this higher-education institution,” says Prof Petra Bester, director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) and the operations lead of the NWU Medical School project team.

“Our purpose with the medical school will be to enable and develop highly skilled generalist practitioners who can also support the district health system. It will provide community-oriented medical graduates to achieve the highest personal and professional development necessary to comprehensively and expertly attend to the health needs of their communities,” she adds.

“The NWU Medical School will pave the way for the NWU, the province and the country to be seen as leaders and innovators in the development of a new-century medical curriculum that is fit for purpose and relevant to the disease burden of the new millennium,” explains Prof Awie Kotzé, executive dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject listed the NWU in the 601 to 650 category for medicine and health sciences, and the NWU Medical School will be built on the foundations laid by its renowned Faculty of Health Sciences, which has a decades-long stellar reputation for training and delivering pharmacists, nurses, dieticians, biokineticists, psychologists and social workers. This has resulted in the NWU being the preferred university to teach and train medical doctors jointly with the North West Department of Health.

According to Prof Binu Luke, project lead of the NWU Medical School and chief specialist physician and technical adviser in the North West Department of Health, this initiative holds a host of career opportunities for prospective students.

“The provision of healthcare services is complex. They are delivered at various levels in the healthcare system, both in the public and private sector, focusing on promotive, preventative and curative care. The services are delivered by a team of different types of healthcare workers, generally led by doctors who need to have various skill sets, classifying them as general practitioners, specialists, subspecialists and more, with the medical graduate being the entry point of that journey.

“Graduates can also branch out into the fields of governance, clinical research, health regulation, the pharmaceutical industry, international health and more. Education is provided through classroom learning using various traditional and innovative techniques, as well as exposure to the health system, community and patients in the designated health facilities run by the North West provincial Department of Health, primarily in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and throughout the province. Coordination of these processes and activities and standardised assessment ensuring quality is key to the success of this programme.”

Prof Bester concludes by saying: “With the current quality health improvements and innovations already happening in the province, coupled with establishing the NWU Medical School, we look forward to contributing to an efficient health system.”

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:27:00 +0000

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:27

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

Dr Fortunate Phaka was nominated in two categories: the TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers and the Communication category. Dr Phaka is a senior postdoctoral research fellow and research associate at both the Hasselt University and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.

Dr Mathew Moyo, Chief Director for Library and Information Services, is in the running for the Data for Research Award.

Prof Marius Smuts, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, was nominated for the Lifetime Award.

Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.

The innovateHER initiative, represented by Prof Leenta Grobler, was nominated for the Non-Governmental Organisation Award.

The winners will be announced at a planned hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

Meet our researchers

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:58:13 +0000

Meet our researchers MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:58

Researchers across the faculties at the North-West University (NWU) continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

Prof Andries Monyeki is the director of the research focus area Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec).

Dr Nicholin Scheepers is the programme leader at the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area.

Celebrating excellence in medicine: Prof Binu Luke receives prestigious SAMA award

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 06:54:48 +0000

Celebrating excellence in medicine: Prof Binu Luke receives prestigious SAMA award BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 04/05/2024 - 08:54

Prof Binu Luke is a distinguished health expert and extraordinary associate professor at AUTHeR in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). In February 2024, the South African Medical Association (SAMA) gave due recognition for his exceptional contributions by nominating him for the prestigious Extraordinary Service to Medicine Award at the SAMA Merit Awards 2024. This award acknowledges Prof Luke's outstanding dedication and expertise in the field of medicine.

Prof Luke's journey in medicine began in 1991, when he qualified as a medical doctor (MBBS) in India. His passion for excellence led him to pursue further specialisation, obtaining his degree as Doctor of Medicine (with a gold medal) and Diplomate National Board qualification in Internal Medicine in 1994. Since then, Prof Luke has been a trailblazer, obtaining his Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa and Diploma in HIV Management, and leaving a significant mark in the field of medicine in South Africa. He was also awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

In 2010, Prof Luke assumed the role of head of the Clinical Department at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, where he had served since 1996. Under his leadership and in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the hospital evolved into a provincial tertiary hospital, offering a full range of tertiary services. Owing primarily to Prof Luke's vision and efforts, the hospital was transformed into an academic training site for Wits, training nearly 45 specialists at a time.

Prof Luke's commitment to medical education and training is commendable. He played a significant role in developing the revised two-year medical internship programme for the HPCSA by extending the training platform to include the district health system. He also plays a role in supporting regional and tertiary hospitals in North West as a technical adviser and serves as the programme manager of the national tertiary services grant budget for the province.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Luke served as the technical lead for North West, demonstrating his commitment to public health and safety. His role as an adjunct professor at Wits further showcases his ongoing pursuit of academic excellence, where he supports clinical teaching and coordinates the North West academic platform.

In 2023, Prof Luke's valuable contributions to medical education and training were recognised with his appointment as an extraordinary associate professor at AUTHeR in the NWU Faculty of Health Sciences. His vision for establishing a medical school at the NWU, with the North West health facilities as the main clinical training platform, reflects his goal of advancing medical education in South Africa. He is currently the project lead for the NWU Medical School Project.

Prof Luke's nomination for the Extraordinary Service to Medicine Award at the SAMA Merit Awards 2024 speaks of exemplary leadership, expertise and dedication to the field of medicine. The university and the NWU Faculty of Health Sciences extend our congratulations on this well-deserved achievement and wish him continued success in his future endeavours.

“I am humbled by the recognition and attribute my contributions to the opportunities that the health system offered me over the years.” – Professor Binu Luke

Professor Binu Luke receives his award

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane to lead mentorship initiatives at international level

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 05:47:44 +0000

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane to lead mentorship initiatives at international level

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/03/2024 - 07:47

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, associate professor of Physiology and community engagement champion at the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been appointed as the new chair of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Mentorship and Training Committee (MTC).

With her distinguished career marked by groundbreaking research and commitment to advancing knowledge on cardiovascular disease, she brings unparalleled experience to her new role. Having served as a member of the MTC for three years, her two-year appointment as the new chair highlights her deep dedication to addressing the global burden of hypertension through capacity building.

“My career trajectory has benefited immensely from being mentored by senior researchers in the field of hypertension,” says Prof Gafane-Matemane on her new appointment. She added: “It is such a privilege to be able to give back by facilitating development opportunities for young researchers, especially those with limited opportunities in their own countries.”

Prof Gafane-Matemane will be responsible for leading the MTC activities. The activities include the mentoring scheme, career development podcasts and other capacity-building activities in collaboration with other committees within the society.

More about Prof Gafane-Matemane

Prof Gafane-Matemane is the secretary of the South African National Committee of the International Union of Physiological Sciences. She is actively involved in community engagement activities at HART and serves as one of the executive directors of the Childhood Hypertension Consortium of South Africa. In addition to these accolades, she is a board member of the Southern African Hypertension Society.

Prof Gafane-Matemane’s other academic citizenship activities include mentoring of students and colleagues. She also serves on faculty committees and editorial boards of the Journal of Hypertension and the Journal of the American Heart Association, and is involved in other non-academic community development activities.

The ISH-MTC

The work of the MTC includes a mentorship scheme, podcasts, seminars and assistance in running the Capacity Building Network (CBN) activities of the ISH. This includes offering career development networking opportunities for early and mid-career researchers and those from under-represented backgrounds.

The ISH-MTC aims to promote the highest quality of science and practice in cardiovascular disease and hypertension throughout the world. For more information on the MTC, visit their website at: https://ish-world.com/mentorship/

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane

Partnership empowers Malawian dietitians

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:28:57 +0000

Partnership empowers Malawian dietitians

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 03/27/2024 - 12:28

It takes an expert team of doctors and nurses to ensure effective treatment for critically ill patients. A crucial addition to this team is a dietitian, as studies have shown that without the guidance of nutrition experts, many patients become malnourished while in hospital care.

The Dietetics Programme in the School of Applied Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) has many years of experience in training quality dietitians in South Africa.

A partnership between the NWU and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi gives Malawian students the opportunity to gain much-needed practical exposure while completing their studies.

This collaboration is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, enabling four cohorts of Malawian students to gain practical exposure in intensive care units at local hospitals in North West. These include the Potchefstroom Hospital, the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital and the Mediclinic.

Birth of a new dietetics network

Doris Nanga completed her master’s degree at the NWU before returning to Malawi and pursuing her career as a lecturer in Clinical Dietetics at LUANAR, where she is currently a postgraduate coordinator.

She says for many years Malawi did not train or have dietitians in hospitals. “We needed a programme that would contribute to establishing a workforce quicker than a full four-year programme.”

LUANAR developed a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Dietetics to address this. Candidates who already have a basic qualification in nutrition or a BSc degree in Human Physiology can enrol for the postgraduate diploma, which focuses mainly on hospital dietetics.

The students complete the medical and paediatric blocks of their studies in Malawi, but the need was in the critical care block, which is a smaller part of the full programme.

This is where the NWU became involved. Doris reached out to her mentor, Prof Robin Dolman-Macleod, associate professor of and programme leader for Dietetics at the NWU. They discussed opportunities to enhance the training of Malawian dietitians.

This led to the signing of the MoU in 2022, with the first cohort of seven students visiting the NWU in January 2023 for eight weeks. This group graduated at the end of last year. The second group is currently busy with their practical exposure in South Africa, with the third and fourth cohorts joining in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

Essential skills to boost patient care

“They gain valuable skills in the provision of nutrition support to patients who cannot eat by themselves but depend on tube feeding or receiving nutrition directly into their veins.”

Doris says the students have the opportunity to work with a large range of patients, including premature babies, children and elderly people who have undergone surgery, motor vehicle accident victims, patients with burn injuries and critically ill diabetic patients, as well as cancer patients.

The programme is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Nutrition for Health Activity, which is led by Dr Tinna Manani in the Faculty of Food and Human Sciences at LUANAR. The funds cover the costs of visas, flights, accommodation, food, transport and payment for local dietitians who help Doris and Prof Dolman-Macleod as dietetics preceptors (similar to mentors).

Doris hopes that the Malawian government will adopt the programme and possibly equip the hospitals in Malawi so that the programme can continue after 2026.

The immeasurable value of collaboration

According to Prof Dolman-Macleod, it is not only the practical exposure that is especially beneficial to students from both the NWU and Malawi. “The interaction between students is contributing to a bigger network of dietitians. We have seen with the first cohort that friendships and networking continue even when their studies have been completed.”

The NWU’s fourth-year students must spend 10 weeks in a hospital setting, with a few of these weeks focusing on critical care. Prof Dolman-Macleod and Doris arrange this practical component to coincide with the visit of the Malawian students, giving them the chance to interact and share experiences. This interaction also entails leadership development and various other activities.

“Our vision at the School of Applied Health Sciences and also at the NWU’s Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN) is to develop scholars in nutrition in Africa. It is important to share our expertise and successes with other countries,” says Prof Dolman-Macleod. “This is a good example of where we have a great opportunity to achieve this aim.”

The second cohort of Malawian students from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) visited the NWU in March 2023. They are in front Lusekero Mwandosya and Bongani Mkandawire. At the back are Prof Robin Dolman-Macleod, Anjawo Nyirenda, Christina Kandewu, Doris Nanga and Rejoice Kachingwe.

Africa unites to bring nuclear nutrition expertise to the continent

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:44:17 +0000

Africa unites to bring nuclear nutrition expertise to the continent

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:44

Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality.

A new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa.

Role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.

According to the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition – Statistics and Trends 2023 report, Africa’s malnutrition figures are staggering. More than 280 million people on the continent, or about 20% of the population, are undernourished. More worryingly, this figure shows an increase of almost 60 million people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a massive problem, and part of the answer lies in the miniscule.

Nuclear technology plays a crucial role in the field of nutrition, especially through diagnostic techniques, and now these techniques will be used more rigorously than ever before to help stem the tide of malnutrition.

Role players from across Africa, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are undertaking a four-year project to build capacity to use stable isotope techniques to improve the micronutrient status of children in Africa. Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of the same element with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons, and can serve as effective, safe and precise markers to pinpoint areas affecting malnutrition.

The resulting programme is an MSc (master’s degree) in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques. The IAEA aims to roll out this curriculum in Africa, tailored by each specific African university in its own format, but also standardised to some extent.

The programme is already in practice, with the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa playing the lead host for Anglophone (English-speaking) students, and Morocco playing host for Francophone (French-speaking) students. Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia will be the next countries to implement the programme, with a proposed 37 other African countries to follow.

Prof Linda Malan, from the NWU’s Centre for Excellence in Nutrition, who helped develop the curriculum for the MSc in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques, explains the dilemma facing Africa: “Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are some of the major factors associated with growth retardation, morbidity, mortality, slow psychomotor development, and poor immune function in children. Micronutrient deficiencies also affect women of reproductive age, with significant adverse effects on the nutritional status and health of their offspring in early life, as well as limiting their development and human potential. For example, 40% of all women of reproductive age in Africa suffer from anaemia, about half of which is due to iron deficiency. Children’s diets in Africa are predominantly plant based, which often provide insufficient or poorly absorbable micronutrients, such as iron and zinc.”

She also notes that plant-based foods have naturally occurring compounds (anti-nutrients) that interfere with and limit micronutrient absorption. “It is therefore important to design diets that enhance micronutrient absorption from foods. However, there is limited technical expertise and

laboratory capacity in Africa to assess the bioavailability of micronutrients from foods and how this relates to micronutrient status in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and lactating women.”

This new Master of Science – or MSc – programme will help build capacity by designing the necessary curricula, followed by enrolling and training students in the next phase of a two-year academic programme. The curriculum will cover a range of stable isotope techniques, including those for assessing iron, zinc and vitamin A absorption.

“The project will help participating African member states build capacity to design and evaluate interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies for better health and economic development,” says Prof Malan.

With individual African universities, United Nations agencies such as the IAEA and the World Health Organisation, and African governments – including ministries of health, education, agriculture and others – working together, the plague of malnutrition ravaging the continent can be systematically eradicated.

Prof Linda Malan

NWU unites and sparks conversation on kidney health

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:01:22 +0000

NWU unites and sparks conversation on kidney health

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:01

World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign that emphasises the value of kidney health and actions that can be taken to reduce kidney disease and related illnesses.

On Thursday, 14 March 2024, the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) raised awareness around the risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. These CKD risk factors can be modified by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising self-care, and adhering to treatment as advised by healthcare providers.

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, associate professor of Physiology and community engagement champion at HART, emphasised the importance of empowering communities and patients with the necessary knowledge and tools. She added: “It is crucial to initiate awareness early as a preventative strategy and work with local communities and healthcare facilities.”

According to the World Kidney Day 2024 campaign, over 850 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have CKD, which robbed over 3,1 million people of their lives in 2019. Because 80% to 90% of patients are unaware of their diagnosis, this leads to death due to missed opportunities for early detection and optimum treatment of CKD.

Tips for healthy kidneys

- Stay active by exercising regularly, as this promotes circulation of blood and overall well-being.

- Nourish your body by maintaining a balanced diet. This can include fruits, vegetables and lean proteins that support kidney functioning.

- Avoid harmful habits by limiting the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, as this can worsen kidney damage.

- Stay hydrated by drinking about six to eight glasses of water daily, as this will support kidney functioning and help flush toxins.

- Monitor vital health indicators by assessing your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. For more information about kidney health, visit: https://www.worldkidneyday.org/.

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane educating students about the importance of kidney health at the Wasgoedpennetjie Lane on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Leaders in nutrition aim for zero hunger, good health and quality education for Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:56:24 +0000

Leaders in nutrition aim for zero hunger, good health and quality education for Africa

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/05/2024 - 08:56

The double burden of malnutrition – undernutrition and obesity happening at the same time – affects most low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, which has a complicated food system, it poses complex health challenges that need to be addressed by nutrition professionals on the continent.

The African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) has for 22 years played a pivotal role in leadership capacity building and the development of early- and mid-career nutrition professionals and institutions, not only locally, but also on the rest of the African continent.

Based at the North-West University (NWU), it is a 10-day leadership development programme hosted by a highly committed team of experts. They often travel to other African countries to host specific leadership development programmes where the need arises.

“We are very proud of the ANLP; it was initiated and is led by Africans in Africa and is tailor-made for our nutrition leaders,” says Dr Thabo Putu of the NWU’s Centre of Excellence in Nutrition (CEN).

High-potential leaders drive change

In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to ensure zero hunger (Goal 2), good health and well-being (Goal 3), and quality education (Goal 4), the ANLP aims to make impactful contributions to develop the leaders who manage and develop effective nutrition interventions to combat hunger and disease.

This year marks the 22nd time the ANLP has been presented since its inception in 2002. “It started as an initiative by a handful of passionate individuals and now has a home in CEN. We transform leadership theory into an impactful and practical experiential leadership development experience for high-potential leaders across the African continent,” says Prof Johann Jerling of CEN.

The programme has exceeded all expectations since its humble beginnings and has now ballooned from an initial 40 requests to attend the programme annually to more than 240 currently. Its achievements demonstrate the impact the programme is having. More than 500 participants from 40 countries in Africa have taken part since it started. Two thirds of these participants are women – a testament to the empowerment of women on the continent.

African nutrition leaders converge in Potchefstroom

Twenty-four participants from eight African countries will attend the 22nd ANLP for individuals in Potchefstroom from 5 to 15 March.

Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell of CEN says the attendees represent a wide variety of nutrition-related disciplines in the government sector, the United Nations, civil society, academia and, to a lesser extent, the private sector.

“We believe that after the 10-day workshop, attendees will have improved their self-leadership capacities and developed a personalised action plan for growth that will extend far beyond the programme.”

She says they are also integrated into a pan-African network that in future will become the backbone of nutrition leadership on the continent. For more information on the ANLP, visit www.africanutritionleadership.org or email Ronel.Benson@nwu.ac.za. To learn more about the ANLP and the participants, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ScELRs3pas.

Research entity unveils vision for comprehensive health initiatives

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:22:22 +0000

Research entity unveils vision for comprehensive health initiatives

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:22

Prof Leepile Sehularo, the newly appointed director of the Lifestyle Diseases research niche area at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, says the research area is committed to implementing enhanced programmes dedicated to preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases.

A ground-breaking long-term care model, focusing on psychological perspectives for managing lifestyle diseases, is a key component of the upcoming initiatives.

The overarching goal of the Lifestyle Diseases research niche area is to attain national and international recognition for research aimed at preventing and reducing impairments, disabilities and premature deaths associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental disorders, and violence.

The entity envisions achieving this through community-centred and inter-professional care approaches, along with psychosocial interventions, targeting the preventable lifestyle-linked context of NCDs.

The common risk factors linked to NCDs include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and environmental carcinogens. With these in mind, Prof Sehularo stresses the need for holistic interventions considering economic, social, gender, socio-political, psychological, behavioural, and environmental determinants.

“The research area will play a pivotal role in managing research outputs and productivity in alignment with the NWU’s strategy for research and innovation, and we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of comprehensive health initiatives at the NWU,” he adds.

More about Prof Leepile Sehularo

Prof Sehularo is a professor of psychiatry and mental health nursing. He has successfully supervised seven PhD candidates and sixteen master’s students at the NWU and the Shifa-Tameer-e-Millat University in Pakistan.

He has presented research papers at national and international conferences and published more than 50 research articles in accredited national and international journals, as well as two book chapters. His research interest focuses on resilience, substance abuse and mental health law.

Prof Leepile Sehularo.