Stellenbosch University’s Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health (CRH) continues to champion rural healthcare innovation, hosting its annual community partnership event at the Worcester campus. The gathering showcased healthcare projects by students across disciplines, tackling pressing challenges in rural communities.
Unveiling Healthcare Gaps
Medical students Muhammad Gaffoor and Naaila Khan presented findings from Caledon Hospital in the Western Cape’s Theewaterskloof area, revealing a concerning prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes. Nearly two-thirds of diabetic patients in the subdistrict remain undiagnosed, many only seeking care after developing severe complications.
“This indicates an urgent need for robust diabetes screening resources in the area,” Khan noted, underscoring the systemic gaps contributing to preventable health crises.
Another team addressed high TB rates in Zwelethemba, an informal settlement near Worcester. Partnering with local clinics, the students introduced enhanced contact tracing tools and secured meal program funding for TB patients. “Collaboration with community workers was crucial in driving meaningful change,” said medical student Jeeyoo Kim.
Training Future Rural Healthcare Leaders
The Ukwanda Centre’s Rural Clinical School, launched in 2011, equips students with the skills needed for rural practice. Acting division head Dr. Francois Coetzee emphasized the unique demands of rural healthcare, from interdisciplinary collaboration to creative problem-solving in resource-limited settings.
“The shortage of healthcare practitioners in rural areas calls for clinicians who can adapt, innovate, and thrive in challenging environments,” Coetzee remarked. He aspires to see half of the university’s medical students participate in rural training by 2027, up from the current 40.
Addressing Overcrowded Clinics
A standout initiative by postgraduate student Dr. Frikkie Strauss aims to establish farm clinics around Clanwilliam. These clinics, supported by the provincial health department, will alleviate congestion at primary healthcare facilities and offer timely, dignified services to farmworkers.
“This approach minimizes travel, reduces costs for patients, and ensures consistent care,” Strauss explained. The initiative also reconfigures existing mobile clinic rotations, providing more frequent visits to underserved areas.
Looking Ahead
These initiatives reflect Stellenbosch University’s commitment to bridging rural healthcare gaps. By integrating community-driven solutions with hands-on training, the Ukwanda Centre fosters a new generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing equitable access to care.
The efforts are a testament to the transformative potential of rural health innovation, laying a foundation for sustainable improvements in South Africa’s underserved regions.