Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

President &  Chairperson of ASSAf Council:   Professor Dayanand  Reddy
Executive Officer;  Professor Roseanne Diab

South African Journal of Science (SAJS)  Volume 110 Issue 3/4 March/Apil 2014

South African Journal of Science (SAJS)  Volume 109 Issue 7/8 July/August 2013 

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in its unique position as the only national science academy that is officially recognised by the South African government through the ASSAf Act (Act 67of 2001), as amended, aims to provide evidence-based scientific advice on issues of public interest to government and other stakeholders. ASSAf regularly publishes its findings and recommendations and also acknowledges the achievements of South African scientists in order to develop the intellectual capacity of the nation and promote innovative scholarly thinking.

The Academy enjoys regular interaction and knowledge exchange with other national science academies throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the African continent, and the global scientific community.
Evidence-based study activities form the core of the Academy’s function and are vital to its future development. Apart from their policy advisory function, evidence-based study activities provide an important mechanism for establishing and strengthening international links, securing external project-related funding, and in mobilising ASSAf Members to volunteer their service on committees and panels.ASSAf’s policy advisory activities are guided by its Standing Committees, which provide strategic direction and guidance. ASSAf has Standing Committees on Health; Scholarly Publishing in South Africa; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; Biosafety and Biosecurity; Science for Poverty Alleviation and Humanities.

Completed Health-related Consensus Studies:

1.       HIV/AIDS, TB and Nutrition (2007)

Main Objective:
To review critically the literature pertaining to the intersection of    nutrition and nutritional status with fundamental immune functions, with special reference to immune functions in the context of HIV/AIDS and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.

To review critically what has been reported concerning the impact of  these infections on nutritional status.

To compile a   comprehensive evidence base concerning the effects   of nutritional interventions on the course of those infectious disorders.

2.       Revitalising Clinical Research in South Africa (2009

Main Objective:     
To assess the state of clinical research in South Africa then make feasible and  appropriate recommendations on how clinical research can be revitalised and promoted for the development of the country.

3.       Improved Nutritional Assessment of Micronutrients (2013)
Main Objective:     
To assess six micronutrients, viz. vitamins A & D, folate, selenium, iron and zinc then make recommendations on how to optimise the approach of assessing the nutritional status of individuals, specific groups of people and the population in all settings.

Completed Forum Studies:               

4. The Emerging Threat of Drug-Resistant TB in Southern Africa: Global and Local Challenges and Solutions (2011)

Summary of a Joint Workshop with the Institute of Medicine (IOM)

Main Objective:               
To learn from the experiences of the Southern Africa public health community in its fight against drug-resistant TB and to draw from lessons regarding the best practices and novel approaches that can be applied both within and beyond the region.

5. Preparing for the Future of HIV/AIDS in Africa: A shared Responsibility (2012)

Summary of a Regional Workshop based on the IOM consensus report on Preparing for the Future of HIV/AIDS in Africa: A shared Responsibility  

Main Objective:               
To promote and disseminate the IOM report at a regional level and also to provide a platform for the region to discuss PEPFAR transition. 

Completed Policymakers’ Booklet:

6. Science in Action: Saving the Lives of Africa’s Mothers, Newborns and Children  (2009)
In collaboration with other African Academies towards the ASADI 2009 Conference in Ghana. 

Planned Consensus Studies:

7. Reconceptualising Education and Training of an Appropriate Health Workforce
Main Objective:                
To assess the relevant and reliable evidence on the education and training of the South African health workforce and to make recommendations on how to improve and revitalize.  

8. Root Causes for Low Coverage and Under-Immunization of the African Child
Initiated and led by the IOM in collaboration with other African Academies.

9. Building Leadership to Address the Negative Effects of Tobacco on Africa’s Health, Economy and Development
Initiated and led by the IOM in collaboration with other African Academies.
Main Objective: 
To advocate to high level African Leadership for the inclusion of tobacco control policies in health and development priorities.

Planned Forum Studies:

10. National Health Insurance (NHI) Symposium
Main Objective:               
To review the NHI pilot experiences then make suggestions on alternatives and how to overcome difficulties in preparedness for full implementation of the NHI.
To acquire information, inputs and advice from countries’ which are experienced in NHI matters. 

Changing Patterns of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Conference
Main Objective:
To raise the profile and explore the changing patterns of NCDs then make appropriate and relevant recommendations.