3RD BIENNIAL HEALTH CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3

The traditional functions of universities include teaching and learning, research, and community engagement/service. Undoubtedly, the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda have thrived in achieving their core mandates and other functions, becoming internationally relevant while locally addressing community needs through their well-planned strategic plans. Additionally, the dynamic nature of science and higher education systems highlights the necessity for institutional collaboration at different levels of engagement. Interestingly, the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda share similar historical contexts: they are both located in Limpopo province and are historically disadvantaged higher education institutions. Thus, these two universities, through their faculties of health sciences, have established a collaborative research agenda-Research Conference-as part of their collaborative ethos. This agenda serves as a platform for their students, academic staff, and staff members of the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health, among others, to showcase their research.
Collaborative research enhances the competence, skill, and knowledge of all partners whilst strengthening scientific activities. Historically, beginning in 2021, both universities (Faculty of Health Sciences) have a collaborative engagement to jointly host Biennial conference to present the findings of their respective individual and group academic investigations focusing primarily on the SDG goal 3 agenda. In this conference, the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda joint 3rd Biennial conference is expected to:
• Offer staff members the opportunity to present at national and international academic events and publish their findings.
• Encourage students to complete their research, present their findings, and publish.
• Showcasing academic work, encouraging research, and enticing undergraduate students to postgraduate programmes.
• Attract health care professionals from throughout the world in the future.
We also hope that this conference will foster academic collaborations that extend beyond the two universities.
The 2024 3rd Biennial Research Conference accepted 127 abstracts, 86 oral and 41 poster presentations. The accepted abstracts cover the topics aimed at all the targets of SDG goal 3. The theme, “Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030: Facilitating and constraining dynamics in the African context while promoting the health and well-being of all individuals”, is designed for attendees to meet, exchange scientific ideas, learn, network, and to provide their perspectives on the faciltators and barriers regarding SDG 3, particularly, in the African context. Understanding the contextual factors that constrain and shape attempts to achieve SDG 3 sustainability, especially in an African setting with overburdened health systems, could serve as a leverage point in achieving sustainability for good health and well-
being for everyone. The three-day conference will feature famous keynote speakers, thought-provoking leadership insights, and interactive discussions. Furthermore, various transdisciplinary research paper presentations will allow attendees to discuss about the holistic nature of knowledge in advancing society, particularly, in addressing complex health issues in a synergistical manner to enhance health for all as the tenet of the SDG 3. These will be presented by leading academics and practitioners across South Africa and beyond. Notably, the 3rd Biennial Health Conference, aside paper presentations, offers two in-conference workshops to the participants. The two workshops will be facilitated by Prof DT Goon, Research Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Limpopo. The first workshop will cover Writing a Research Abstract, Oral and Poster Conference Presentations, while the second workshop focuses on Writing a Scientific Paper using the IMARD Approach.
We hope that this conference will further strengthen the existing bond of research collaborations between these two universities, and beyond. Finally, I would like to express appreciation to the organizing committee, all the presenters, invited guest speakers, sponsors and exhibitors who made this event a success.
You are highly welcomed to the 3rd Biennial Health Conference on SDG 3 Targets titled “Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030: Facilitating and constraining dynamics in the African context while promoting the health and well-being of all individuals”. Your active participation and engagement in this conference is highly appreciated.
It is Heritage Month and lets shine in our traditional roots attires.
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Prof Daniel Ter Goon
Conference Chair: 3rd Biennial Health Conference on SDG 3, 2024
Research Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Limpopo