Institute for Life Course Health Research

As the ILCHR, we recognise the impact of South Africa’s past injustices and are committed to advancing human dignity, equality, non-racialism and non-sexism. United in diversity, we believe that South Africa belongs to all that live in it. You will find us on BlueSky.

Our @yeukai001 presented preliminary results for her PhD work, in collaboration with the @UniofBath at the @CityofCT Health Research Day 2025. The work focused on understanding the impact of intentional injury on children in low-resource areas in Cape Town.

Our @sarahskeenhere, @stefani_toit, @moroesi88 and Siphokazi Hlati attended the @CHIMEforPMH kick-off in The Gambia. Funded by @NIHRresearch and co-led by ILCHR, CHIME unites global researchers to explore how cultural music practices can support perinatal mental health.

In this piece, our @yeukai001 highlights the importance of addressing violence against children in South Africa as we mark World Day of Social Justice. She explains how collaborations with youth can support the achievement of a more socially just society. bit.ly/4gOAIzs

Our Linnea Stansert Katzen was part of this @join_chic paper highlighting the essential role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in health research. Inclusion at every stage, from design to dissemination, is key for stronger research outcomes. bit.ly/3CMSO6P

A new paper by James Radner, our @markskeptic and colleagues highlights the urgent risks facing children globally due to the rise of ‘America First’ policies under the new US administration. It calls for a reimagined approach to child protection. bit.ly/3WGsi5O

Our Yeukai Chideya is at the Equi-Injury Project’s annual meeting in Ghana, presenting on CEI-D progress across Ghana, Pakistan, Rwanda, and South Africa. She also met with project leads to plan for 2025. Wishing the team continued success in improving healthcare access globally!

Kicking off the year with a refresher training for our team. As we dive into the new year, it was the perfect time to revisit the essentials that drive our work at ILCHR. Our team is ready for 2025!

🔑 What are the keys to a successful parenting program? 🔓 A new factsheet by @ILCH_research, @StellenboschUni, and PRB offers 6 key features for programs that support parents, each culled from global research and guidelines ➡️ bit.ly/3x1dNQj

🚧 Parenting programs are key to better outcomes for children, but they must be carefully adapted to work across contexts. A new roadmap by @ILCH_research offers 8 guiding questions for parenting researchers, program leaders, and policymakers. bit.ly/3x1dNQj

Our Cassandra Zeta Carels representing the Institute in Nairobi this week, with WAR CHILD ALLIANCE - Africa & Colombia Region collaborators. They've been learning from and sharing with one another regarding impact and the sustainable scaling of projects for children's education.

In her opinion piece published by the @TheCapeArgus to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, our @yeukai001 sheds light on the experiences of refugee women in South Africa. pressreader.com/south-africa/c…

In Project Kwakhanya, we are partnering with researchers from @UniofBath and community artists to produce artwork that is meaningful to South African families affected by child trauma. Amazing work being done, bridging research and meaningful community impact!

What a fantastic year-end celebration at ILCHR yesterday! From an energising drumming workshop, to lots of laughter, reflection, great food (and even a rap from our co-director), it was a perfect way to close out an amazing year!

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are sharing our @ZarainSA’s time at the 8th Global Disability Conference in Hyderabad, India by @PRASHO_2023 and co-hosted and funded by the @ICED_LSHTM. Thank you to the organisers, and to the whole team!

In collaboration with @citiesRISE and @Assitej_ZA we recently hosted a series of co-design workshops with learners, caregivers, and teachers to adapt a youth-focused programme to promote adolescent wellbeing through the arts, while also fostering a supportive school environment.

On 2024's World Children's Day, ILCHR Co-Director @markskeptic and James Radner call for urgent investment in children as a moral imperative, not because of their future "human capital potential" in this @LancetChildAdol Comment thelancet.com/journals/lanch…

Our new paper in @JAdolesHealth reviewed evidence from 82 trials, and found that psychosocial interventions were effective in preventing mental ill health among youth aged 10-19. Future work should focus on reducing self-harm and suicide ideation. bit.ly/3CwPlZP

Our @moroesi88 visited collaborators from NIMR & @REPSSI to prepare for a new pilot in Tanzania. The "ParentApp for Kids" aims to improve parenting and child development outcomes through innovative digital solutions, as part of the @GPI_Parenting funded by @LEGOfoundation

In case you missed it, urgent action is needed to improve disabled women’s access to reproductive healthcare. Read this article by @xanthehunt and our @ZarainSA published on @dailymaverick for Women's Month 2023. tinyurl.com/2pbpwevr