CHS Academics Shine at African Population Conference

CHS Academics Shine at African Population Conference

A team from UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) made a significant impact at the 9^th African Population Conference held in Malawi.

Dr Zamadonda Xulu-Kasaba, Dr Thembelihle Dlungwane, Professor Khumbulani Hlongwana and Professor Themba Ginindza delivered key presentations on developing Africa’s human capital by empowering early and mid-career academics and enhancing human resources for health (HRH).

The highlight of the team’s contribution was their presentations on mentorship of academics through UKZN’s Emerging and Mid-Career Academics Peer (EMAP) team. These underscored the critical need for effective strategies and robust mentoring programmes to support the development of Africa’s future scholars. By providing adequate academic support and development, the EMAP team aims to nurture the next generation of academic leaders on the continent.

The presentations also highlighted the need to develop the health workforce, particularly in rural settings. They described well-trained HRH as a vital pathway to foster healthy, literate, and economically empowered populations within Africa. This was especially evident in the presentation on eye health staffing, which illustrated the impact of well-trained health professionals in underserved areas.

The CHS presentations garnered significant interest from various stakeholders attending the conference. This is expected to lead to productive collaboration and advancement in the field of health sciences within Africa and beyond its borders.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied