The EC Provincial Health Research Committee (EC PHRC) is pleased to announce the upcoming seminar on “Our Health – Our Future: Enhancing Public Health in the Eastern Cape”. This seminar will unite researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates to explore innovative approaches and strategies to enhance public health in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The EC PHRC invites researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts for presentation at the seminar.
Sub-Themes and Examples:
Youth Health and Well-being:
o Addressing the unique health challenges faced by youth.
o Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among young people.
o Preventing and managing non-communicable diseases in youth.
o Enhancing access to healthcare and mental health services for youth.
o Tackling substance abuse, addiction in adolescents, and teenage pregnancy.
o Empowering youth to become advocates for their health.
o HIV/AIDS as a health issue amongst youth.
o Initiations schools and their impact on youth health.
o Youth participation in healthcare policy and program development.
o Fostering youth leadership and engagement in health-related initiatives.
o Harnessing technology for youth-driven health promotion and education.
o Including youth voices in designing mental health and non-communicable disease
support systems.
Mental Health Across the Lifespan:
o Innovative approaches to early detection and intervention for mental health issues.
o Reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness.
o Integrating mental health care into primary healthcare systems.
o Mental health considerations in managing non-communicable diseases.
o Supporting mental health during life transitions and major life events.
o African community-based interventions for mental health crisis prevention.
o Addressing the impact of mental health on families and caregivers.
o Training and capacity-building for healthcare providers in mental healthcare.
o Trauma and injuries that is a real concern within the Province.
o The aftermath of Covid-19 and the concerns of post-traumatic stress disorders.
o Peer support networks and their role in mental health recovery.
Building Resilient Health Systems:
o Preparing health systems for future pandemics and global health crises.
o Investing in disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
o Surveillance and outbreak investigations in the Eastern Cape.
o Strengthening health system governance and leadership.
o Implementing technology and digital solutions in healthcare delivery.
o Strengthening health infrastructure and workforce capacity.
o Achieving universal health coverage and equity.
o Enhancing community-based healthcare models.
o Promoting patient-centred care and shared decision-making.
Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control:
o Strategies for prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases.
o Multidisciplinary approaches to managing non-communicable diseases.
o Innovations in non-communicable disease treatment and personalised care.
o Addressing lifestyle factors and social determinants of non-communicable diseases.
o Peer support networks and their role in mental health recovery.
o Integrating mental health support into non-communicable disease care plans.
Vector-borne, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and One Health.
o Malaria & other vector-borne diseases.
o Neglected tropical diseases.
o Rabies
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstracts should be submitted in English.
- The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
- Include the author(s), affiliation(s), and contact details.
- Please indicate the sub-theme under which you wish to present.
- Submit abstract via email to Prof Sue Burton [s.burton@ru.ac.za] by 22 September 2023.
Important Dates: - Abstract Submission Deadline: 22 September 2023
- Notification of Acceptance: 20 October 2023
- Seminar Date: 27th – 29th November 2023
Join us in shaping the future of public health in the Eastern Cape by sharing your valuable research
and insights at the seminar. We look forward to your participation and contributions.
For any seminar inquiries, please contact Mr Siyanda Manana at siyandamanana1@yahoo.com.
