Current collaborations with health institutions

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) actively collaborates with various local, national, and international health institutions to enhance health and well-being outcomes. These partnerships encompass a range of initiatives, from community outreach programmes to advanced research collaborations.

Local and National Collaborations:

• Institutional Office for HIV and AIDS (IOHA): UJ’s IOHA works closely with internal partners such as Student Affairs, Campus Health Services, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) to promote voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) across all campuses. This initiative aims to increase the uptake of VCT at UJ’s health clinics. Externally, IOHA collaborates with organisations like the Gauteng Department of Health and the Department of Social Development to address HIV and AIDS-related issues, ensuring comprehensive care and support for students and staff. 
• Centre for Student Health and Wellness: UJ provides primary health care services through well-equipped clinics on each campus. These clinics offer treatment for minor ailments, sexual and reproductive health services, and chronic disease monitoring. They are supported by ER24, which provides emergency medical services after hours and during emergencies. 

International Collaborations:

• Universitas 21 (U21) Health Sciences Group: UJ is a member of the U21 Health Sciences Group, a collaborative network of health science faculties from universities worldwide. This membership provides a framework for exploring opportunities in collaborative research, information exchange, and resource sharing. Disciplines involved include Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. 
• International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR): In a strategic agreement with I-DAIR, based in Geneva, Switzerland, UJ serves as the South African Hub Lead. This partnership focuses on advancing digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) research, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3 on Good Health and Well-being. The hub aims to attract young researchers and act as a regional centre of excellence for research and capacity development in digital health and AI. 

Community Outreach and Health Promotion:

• Health Outreach Programmes: UJ engages in various health outreach initiatives, such as the Riverlea Community Outreach Programme, which provides health services to underserved communities. Additionally, UJ’s health clinics offer services in biokinetics, chiropractic care, optometry, podiatry, and homoeopathy, benefiting both the university community and the public. 
• Healthy Campus Programme: Aligned with the International University Sport Federation’s (FISU) initiative, UJ’s Healthy Campus Programme promotes well-being across seven pillars: Healthy Campus Management, Physical Activity and Sport, Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Mental and Social Health, Risk Behaviour, and Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility. UJ is the only certified African university in this programme, having achieved a bronze medal in March 2022. 

Through these multifaceted collaborations and programmes, the University of Johannesburg demonstrates its commitment to improving health and well-being outcomes locally and globally.