The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences hosted its first Community Engagement Colloquium on the Vanderbijlpark Campus on 2 and 3 October.

The purpose of this colloquium - titled "Health sciences and partnerships for sustainable communities" - was to bring together academics, practitioners, and community members to start a conversation about the ways in which they can work together to improve health outcomes for communities.

South Africa and the North-West University (NWU) are stepping up to develop the African continent’s capabilities to develop its own human vaccines.

The glaring disparities in vaccine access during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to South Africa taking significant strides to bridge the gap between the global north and the African continent's vaccine development needs.

Carla Horn, a master's degree student in nursing sciences at the North-West University (NWU), stood out in the FameLab competition held on 21 September at the National Research Foundation Auditorium in Pretoria.

Securing her a spot among the top 10 participants, Carla’s presentation focused on how our government healthcare system can prepare itself to deliver effective patient care and save lives in the event of disasters, specifically based in obstetric wards or maternal wards.

In the realm of pharmaceutical research Prof Chrisna Gouws, a professor at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™) of the North-West University (NWU), is leading a significant charge towards transforming drug development.

Her work in animal-free testing methods revolutionises how pharmaceuticals are researched, tested and ultimately approved. This focus draws on her expertise in biochemistry, cell-culture models and herb-drug interactions, all of which have culminated in a mission to advance humane and effective pharmaceutical testing.

Action netball is a thrilling and dynamic variation of traditional netball that has recently gained popularity. This fast-paced sport combines the core principles of netball with elements of basketball, making it an exciting and engaging game for participants and spectators alike.

No longer just a sport for women, men and women now play this fast-paced sport.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Leepile Sehularo addressed the contentious issue of marijuana legalisation in South Africa during his inaugural lecture on 20 September 2023.

Under the theme "Legalisation of marijuana: The debate continues," Prof Sehularo provided a thorough examination of the profound implications of the ongoing debate.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Lesetja Legoabe and student Monique Labuschagne had an impressive showing at the 42nd Academy of Pharmaceutical Science of South Africa (APSSA) Conference.

Prof Legoabe from the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences received the best publication award for his work titled "Investigation of Quinolone‐Tethered Aminoguanidine as Novel Antibacterial Agents".

Monique, who is affiliated with the NWU’s Preclinical Drug Development Platform, received the best poster award in recognition for her research.

By Menziwa Msibi

The Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with Autism South Africa and the South Africa-Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP) hosted the eighth National Autism Symposium from 8 to 10 September in Potchefstroom.

Holistic wellness entails achieving a sense of well-being by balancing the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of life. It is about recognising that these different areas are interconnected and that neglecting one can impact the others.

For high school learners, holistic wellness is crucial as it provides a foundation for healthy growth and development. When students are supported in all these areas, they are better equipped to navigate the challenges and pressures they face.

The new Covid-19 subvariant EG.5 – also known as Eris – has made its way into South Africa with the first case reported in Gauteng in mid-August.

This after it crossed the borders of China, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

Dr Hazel Mufhandu, senior lecturer and virologist at the North-West University (NWU), tells us more about Eris.