B. ASSAf Workshop Proceedings and Other Reports

Permanent URI for this collection

http://197.189.226.18//handle/20.500.11911/30

About this Collection

Proceedings Reports are a verbatim reflection of a live ASSAf event. It is published with consent of all speakers.

Peer-Review Status: Non-Peer Reviewed

Enquiries: Henriëtte Wagner

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 21

Research, Development, and Innovation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies in South Africa - Proceedings Report
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)
This report captures the proceedings at the launch of the study report on, Research, Development, and Innovation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies in South Africa. The study supports the high-level agreement between South Africa (through the DMRE) and the IAEA by providing a solid foundation upon which a national strategic framework on peaceful uses of nuclear technologies in South Africa can be built. The objectives of the study were to review relevant current and historical national policies, plans and strategies; review the national landscape of existing and emerging RDI role players and activities in the country; develop baseline information around the nuclear technology landscape to assist with targets and indicators for monitoring and evaluation; review the Country Programme Framework (CPF) between South Africa and the IAEA and make recommendations on how the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme could be leveraged to strengthen the nuclear technology sector in South Africa; and make proposals on how to define a South African nuclear technology RDI flagship programme. Characterisation of the needs and gaps contains the following elements: • a brief explanation of the need setting out the context in terms of the severity and relevance. • a strategic objective to be achieved; and • an indicator, or indicators, for the proposed objective. The study was divided into six broad areas, namely: • agriculture and food security, • human health, • radiation protection, • water and environment, • energy and industry, • nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) into mental health policies poses challenges throughout Africa. Existing health policies often fall short of comprehensively tackling mental health, neurological and substance use disorders. In Africa, traditional health practitioners (THPs) play a crucial and pivotal role in public health management, as well as health care practices, but are not adequately recognised in public health policies. The session aimed to consider ways of integrating them more effectively into policy. The session also aimed to explore the intersection of IKS in mental health care and policy across the four countries. The initiative formed part of the Science Advisory and Strategic Partnership Programme of ASSAf. The objectives of the session were as follows: • To deliberate on the role of traditional practitioners in mental health care and their contribution to holistic healing practices. • To explore the integration of THPs and indigenous practices in national mental health policies and their acceptance within the broader healthcare community. • To identify opportunities for meaningful integration. • To work towards establishing a platform for mental health stakeholders within the SADC region. • To share experiences, identify common ground, and address gaps in mental health, decision making and policies.
Global Health Approach for Infectious Diseases – A Proposal for the Next Decade
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa; German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina; Académie Nationale des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal; Ethiopian Academy of Sciences
The German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the Académie Nationale des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal (ANSTS), and the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) jointly hosted a workshop in May 2023 on "Infectious Diseases beyond COVID-19" at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin, Germany. The objectives of the workshop were to deliberate on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and to formulate strategies for enhancing preparedness in the face of both existing and future infectious disease threats, with emphasis on the "One Health" approach and the interplay of climate change. Academia, private enterprises, non-governmental organisations, and political sectors participated in the workshop. Herewith the Conference brief is provided to highlight key recommendations.
The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The COVID-19 pandemic has had both short- and long-term implications for mental health and substance use, especially for groups at risk of new or exacerbated mental health disorders and those facing barriers to accessing care. History has shown that the mental health impact of disasters outlasts the physical impact, suggesting today’s elevated mental health needs will continue well beyond the coronavirus outbreak itself. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) hosted a Mental Health Symposium aimed at obtaining the perspectives of early career researchers. The theme of the symposium on ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use’ sought to increase knowledge and build capacity in mental health research amongst early career researchers. As policymakers continue to discuss further actions to alleviate the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be important to consider how the increased need for mental health and substance use services will likely persist long term, even if new cases and deaths due to the novel coronavirus subside.
Roundtable on Advancing multisectoral and life-course approaches in mental health research
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) jointly hosted a workshop in November 2022 on Advancing multisectoral and life-course approaches in mental health research and have produced a proceedings report capturing the deliberations and recommendations. The outcomes of the workshop were discussed at the ASSAf/AMS roundtable as part of the SA Mental Health Conference. The need for multisectoral and interdisciplinary approaches to research aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of citizens in Africa was highlighted. The Roundtable session provided an important opportunity to network and discuss the research that would best achieve this. The purpose of the Roundtable was to share the findings of the ASSAf/AMS proceedings report (November 2022), to deliberate on the key findings of this report as they pertain to the current state of mental health research in South Africa, to identify challenges, and to determine key stakeholders needed to address these challenges. It also aimed to encourage debate with delegates on practical ways to translate available research findings into action which improve the lives of citizens across the region.
Advancing multisectoral and life-course approaches in mental health research
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS)
Although there is some evidence of increasing investment, mental health services are a neglected aspect of healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.* However, the COVID-19 pandemic – and control measures associated with it – has shone the spotlight on mental health challenges and their human, social and economic costs. The impact of the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the biopsychosocial model of mental health, which recognises that mental wellbeing is affected by the interplay between ‘internal’ biological and psychological factors and ‘external’ social, political, and environmental influences. For the latter, the social determinants of mental health concept highlights how a wide range of external factors across several domains have a critical impact on mental wellbeing. Interventions targeting social determinants or structural factors have the advantage of potentially delivering benefits to large numbers for prolonged periods. In November 2022, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of South Africa jointly organised a workshop to explore ways to advance multisectoral and life-course approaches in mental health research in sub-Saharan Africa. In breakout groups, workshop participants discussed successful examples of mental health research in sub-Saharan Africa, similarities and differences across countries, and how greater collaboration could advance multisectoral and life-course approaches to mental health research. These discussions highlighted a range of key themes: • Strengthening and diversifying data sources: Participants suggested that, in some settings, additional data are needed on disease burdens, priority populations and social determinants of mental health which could be used to support advocacy, target action and guide the development of new interventions. As well as epidemiological data, long-term longitudinal data could provide insights into pathways to mental health impact and identify potential points of intervention. • Developing consistent, locally defined, standardised and appropriate metrics for valued outcomes: Delegates stressed the importance of consistency in approaches across studies, and use of contextually validated and standardised measures, to ensure quality and facilitate comparisons and data pooling. These measures need to be culturally relevant and meaningful to people with lived experience, capturing broader social and economic outcomes alongside clinical improvement. It is also important to capture qualitative as well as quantitative inputs through these metrics. To promote a life-course perspective, measures need to be suitable for use beyond the traditional focus on working-age adults. • Promoting translational development: The need for additional research across the translational spectrum was highlighted, including more evaluation of ‘grass-roots’ initiatives, additional confirmatory and larger-scale studies following promising pilot studies, and implementation/operational research to accelerate introduction and scale-up of evidence-based policies and interventions. It was argued that interventions should prioritise integration with existing health system and community platforms, and adopt people-centred approaches. • Strengthening partnerships to achieve the above: Participants identified interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaborations as critical to progress, potentially supported by an integrated conceptual framework to facilitate cross-sectoral interdisciplinary research programmes and intervention development. Strengthened collaboration within the region and internationally, through equitable international partnerships with a commitment to capacity-building, was seen as fundamental. Participants also stressed the need for a systems-based approach and engagement with all relevant actors, including members of the public, the informal health sector (such as traditional and faith healers) and the private sector where appropriate. • Building relationships with people with lived experience to ensure input at all stages: Delegates highlighted the critical importance of engaging with people with lived experience, to provide opportunities for meaningful inputs at all stages of research, including prioritisation of research questions and co-creation and delivery of interventions. • Optimising the mental healthcare workforce: Strengthening and building workforce capacity in mental health were seen as high priorities. Mental health specialists are few in number in the region and further research on strategies such as task-shifting, and scaling up of proven task-shifting interventions, could help to address large treatment gaps. Participants also suggested that there is a need to promote skills development to support greater service and multi-sectoral integration, task shifting, and mental health awareness across relevant sectors. • Supporting advocacy to promote the above: Delegates identified the need for the research community to engage with policymakers to understand their needs and provide evidence-based inputs, to leverage the mainstream media to translate messages for more general audiences, and to work with people with lived experience to achieve co-ordinated and more effective advocacy. By strengthening ties – within Africa and internationally – the mental health research community in the region will be better placed to share knowledge and experience, develop joint and multicentre studies, and raise the profile of mental health research among politicians and policymakers. In doing so, they can help to close the mental health care gap and build a field with the capacity to enhance mental health for all and at all stages of life.
3rd Worldwide Meeting of National Young Academies: One Health – Health and Development
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018-03) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
This report is the summary of the meeting proceedings of the Third Worldwide Meeting of National Young Academies which took place from 20 to 21 July 2017 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa. This meeting was hosted by the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and co-organised by the Global Young Academy (GYA).
Priorities for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Research and Services in South Africa webinar
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2022) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 years comprise 34% of the population, and child and adolescent Mental, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) disorders are common and an important cause of disability and distress. Providers at all levels should be competent to screen for and identify common childhood mental disorders, which usually present with developmental delay, emotional and/or behavioural symptoms and/or learning difficulties. Given the burden of disease, the fact that many mental disorders begin in childhood, and that early intervention is most effective in childhood and adolescence, it is essential that effective promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation interventions should be provided for children and adolescents. In this webinar, hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa, leading experts in child and adolescent mental health presented their priorities for child and adolescent mental health services and research in South Africa.
Social, Psychological and Health Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Elderly: South African and Italian Perspectives
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2020) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The elderly population has been included in the vulnerable population to the mental health risks of COVID-19. This group in our society is confronted with high rates of pre-existing depressive symptoms and the challenges of accessing mental health services. The elderly population has been reported to be more susceptible, especially those with underlying diseases, to COVID-19 infection and severe illnesses. Recent studies have showed a higher mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 to those of young and middle-aged patients. The panel discussion explored the challenges confronting the elderly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in collaboration with Leopoldina hosted a working group meeting on Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa from 13-15 May 2019 at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi. This working group meeting follows from a workshop which was held in South Africa in November 2018. The purpose of this working group meeting was for outstanding experts in the field to collaborate with the project’s scientific director to draft a report that summarises and outlines the state of knowledge on neonicotinoids and their impact on ecosystem services for agriculture and biodiversity in Africa. Furthermore, to draft key recommendations from science to policy-makers on the question of the use of neonicotinoids, and to discuss communication of the results to the relevant political and scientific authorities and the media.