Students Unpack the Social Aspect of Health at Anti-Discrimination and Social Justice Week

Posted on October 01, 2019

The second day of the Anti-Discrimination and Social Justice week focused on Colour and Culture. A group session with a Clinical Psychologist from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) was held whereby Alexa shared some important pointers to focus on when seeing a patient with a history of traumatic life events.

Students also received information about the UP Peer Support Group Programme. The Peer Support Groups offers students additional information, guidance, support and help, and also supports and offers information to students who have family members or loved ones who are affected by mental health issues.

Professor Catherine Burns and one of her PhD students Sinethemba Makanya hosted the second session. During the seminar, Prof Burns took students through a brief history of the social impact of Apartheid and HIV in South Africa and really stressed the importance of Medical Humanities within the context of health sciences. 

PhD student Sinethemba Makanya focused on the role of the traditional healer in terms of health in our country, as she is an initiated traditional healer. She shared about the importance of creating a conversation between traditional healers in South Africa and conventional doctors.

Both speakers highlighted the huge gap in information and knowledge within the curriculum concerning the social aspect of health.  This is an important factor for consideration when looking at curriculum transformation.

If you’d like to be part of the Peer Support Group Leaders programme, please contact Dr Linda Blokland on 012 420 4002;  [email protected]

- Author Mmane Boikanyo

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