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 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).

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

Two fourth-year nursing students recently represented the North-West University (NWU) at the WorldSkills South Africa competition in Durban.

Competing against six other participants from across the country, Nobuhle Noluthando Motlhare secured the top spot in the Health and Social Care Skills category, while Boitshwarelo Motlhokudi secured a commendable third place, earning herself a bronze medal.

The Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference, held from the 23rd until the 26th October 2023, in Cape Town, served as a distinguished platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of researchers and postgraduate students from the North-West University’s (NWU) affiliated with the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

On 29 and 30 November 2023, the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a workshop to share knowledge and best practices regarding the use of direct-reading methodologies and sensors in occupational hygiene. Themed "The changing landscape of occupational hygiene: Challenges and opportunities presented by real-time exposure data", the event brought together 50 professionals, including international representatives, government bodies, universities and industry experts.