Societal Impact through the Faculty of Health Sciences Rural Community Initiative
Submitted by
University of the Free State.
Summary of the impact:
Communities in the Xhariep district in the Free State, specifically in the rural towns of Trompsburg, Springfontein and Philippolis, are benefitting from the Faculty of Health Sciences Rural Community Initiative (FHSRCI) project since its inception in 2017/2018. Driven by the motto Kopanong le Fodise/ Unite to Heal, the FHSRCI endeavours to unite the community, healthcare students across all disciplines and healthcare professionals to enhance the health of our rural communities within the identified district. The project encompasses diverse initiatives such as the Youth Leadership and Youth Health screening Project, Home Visits, Lifestyle Groups, and the Mobile Health Clinic (refer to Figure 1). These initiatives aim to maximise societal impact by targeting various sub-groups within the communities. Specifically, the Youth Leadership Project engages high school learners, Home Visits focus on community members living with Diabetes Mellitus, Lifestyle Groups cater to the elderly, and the Mobile Health Clinic serves farm workers and their families.