Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Social Impact Initiatives: Making a Difference in Healthcare and Communities

Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) is not just a hub for education and research, but also a beacon of hope for the community through its impactful social initiatives. These initiatives, guided by the FMHS’ Social Impact Framework (SIF) 2019-2024, aim to bring about systemic and social changes that improve access to quality healthcare.

One of the highlighted initiatives is the Adapt2move – FIT (Frequent Individual Training) programme, offered by the Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. This programme focuses on providing physical activity interventions for individuals with disabilities, offering personalized training sessions to improve their health and well-being.

Another noteworthy initiative is the Co-creating a culture of wellness in the Western Cape project by the Department of Biomedical Sciences. This project aims to promote wellness in the community by empowering participants to prevent, reduce, and manage non-communicable diseases through structured exercise sessions.

The KIDSmove programme, run by the Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, addresses various childhood development challenges through engaging movement-based activities. This programme targets children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities like Down Syndrome and Childhood Apraxia of Speech, providing tailored support to enhance their motor skills and overall development.

Furthermore, the African Network for Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) initiative, led by the Department of Global Health, focuses on advancing disability rights through collaborative research that directly impacts policy and practice, ultimately improving the lives of people with disabilities.

These are just a few examples of the impactful social initiatives undertaken by the FMHS at Stellenbosch University. Through these projects, the faculty is not only shaping the future of healthcare but also making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities, showcasing their unwavering commitment to creating positive change in healthcare and beyond.