Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community health and preventive healthcare through its Eat Well, Live Well Campaign, which brought together students from different health science disciplines to promote holistic wellness and healthier lifestyle choices.
Held at SMU, the campaign was organised by third-year Dietetics students in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics under the theme, “Healthier Choices Today, a Healthier Tomorrow”. More than 200 students attended the event, which featured interactive educational sessions, health screenings and practical demonstrations.
“The campaign was designed to empower our university community to make informed decisions about nutrition and healthy living. We also wanted to demonstrate that promoting wellness requires collaboration across healthcare disciplines,” said Kurhula Mdungwa, Chairperson of the organising committee.
Recognising that wellness extends beyond nutrition, the team adopted an Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) approach, involving the Dental, Environmental Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Speech and Audiology departments, alongside community organisations and university partners.
Third-year Dietetics students conducted anthropometric measurements and provided nutrition education, offering practical guidance on balanced meals, appropriate portion sizes, healthier cooking methods, adequate water intake and physical activity. Participants were also encouraged to limit excessive salt, sugar and fat consumption.
“I have learnt that healthy eating does not have to be expensive or complicated. Making balanced food choices, drinking enough water and staying physically active are practical steps that can contribute to better health over time,” said Tumelo Mokoena, a Pharmacy 2nd-year student.
Other participating departments broadened the discussion on wellness. Dental students highlighted the relationship between oral health and nutrition, while Environmental Health Sciences students demonstrated safe food handling, hygiene and storage practices. Pharmacy students discussed food-medicine interactions, and Nursing students provided basic health screenings and guidance on preventive care and chronic disease management.
The Speech and Audiology Department addressed swallowing difficulties and their implications for nutrition, while the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) Group facilitated discussions on mental health in recognition of September being Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Green Campus Initiative demonstrated how home gardening could provide affordable access to fresh produce, while DKMS raised awareness about stem cell donation and donor registration. AVBOB supported the campaign by donating fruit for participants.
The partners’ involvement highlighted the importance of addressing health from multiple perspectives. “Every discipline brings valuable knowledge to healthcare. By learning from one another, future professionals can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the needs of individuals and communities,” said Kamogelo Mathakane, media officer of the organising committee.
The campaign also gave students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, build leadership and teamwork skills, and engage directly with the university community. Dr Phetla provided guidance and mentorship throughout the initiative’s planning and implementation.
For participating students, the experience reinforced the value of interprofessional learning and demonstrated how collaboration can strengthen health education and preventive care.
Through initiatives such as Eat Well, Live Well, SMU continues to advance health sciences education by equipping students with practical skills, encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration and promoting healthier communities. The campaign affirmed that lasting improvements in wellbeing depend on informed choices, accessible health education and healthcare professionals working together towards a common goal.
By Tumelo Moila
