The lack of qualified nurses is placing a stranglehold on the public health sector in South Africa, but through its commitment to bettering the lives of all South Africans, the North-West University (NWU) is helping to loosen this suffocating grip.

A recent study by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) estimates that there is only one nurse for every 218 patients in the country, with a need for tens of thousands more.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, associate professor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform has just returned from the United Kingdom after a week-long innovation boot camp at the University of Oxford.

Prof Hayeshi was one of the 10 participants selected to deliver demo pitches, after which her presentation was chosen as one of the top five pitches.

The North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Health Sciences commends Prof Andries Monyeki, who has been asked to represent the National Department of Health at an upcoming multi-country World Health Organization (WHO) workshop. This nomination both reflects his expertise and recognises his research contributions to public health policy.

Prof Monyeki has expressed his gratitude, saying that he is "greatly honoured and humbled by this nomination".

Dr Marelize Vergottini, a senior lecturer in social work at the North-West University (NWU), aims to support social workers at schools by equipping them with the necessary skills and know-how to navigate the legal framework in their everyday work-life.

She recently held several two-day workshops for school social workers in Vanderbijlpark, Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

It took only a few seconds for her to lose weeks of her life. After her Toyota Yaris had crashed head-on into a bakkie, she was trapped in a cocoon of unconsciousness and when she awoke her world had irrevocably changed. Torturous years of rehabilitation were to follow. Initially she was forgetful, frightened, frantically searching and frequently failing to find a coherent memory.

Under the guidance and with the vision of Prof Sanette Brits, the NWU Faculty of Health Sciences recently concluded an inspiring Facing Race Week – a dedicated initiative aiming to foster racial awareness, promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Every year, this week-long event revolves around a central theme, and this year's theme was Expand your vision; appreciate diversity.

There are words that tie the tongue in knots. They confound the abilities of the learned; they separate the novice from the expert at spelling bees. They even change lives. At the North-West University (NWU), one of these words is “pharmacoepidemiology”, and it refers to a field that is enriching the health of the population of southern Africa.

If your knees start trembling at the thought of walking 10 km, imagine how your arms would protest if you had to swim it.

For Rachael Humphries, it is another day at the aquatic office. In fact, this Bachelor of Health Sciences student at the North-West University (NWU), who was born in Randburg and matriculated from The King’s School Robin Hills, embraces challenges such as these.

Lize-Mari Loots, a first-year BSc dietetics student at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus, recently earned recognition as one of the top students in the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Brilliants Programme.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is incredibly proud of Prof Ankebé Kruger, who has been appointed as the South African student team’s team psychologist for the World University Games in Chengdu, China this July. This significant role speaks volumes regarding Prof Kruger's capabilities as a sports psychologist and her remarkable track record of effectively restoring and preserving the mental health and well-being of competing sportsmen and -women across disciplines.