UKZN Students Triumph at PHASA

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A presentation by two UKZN fourth-year medical students won first prize at the inaugural Student Symposium during the ninth Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA) conference in Cape Town.

The title of the presentation by Ms Naseera Joossab and Ms Denesha Naicker was: “The Risk Factors for Asthma in the Indoor Home Environments of Primary Schoolchildren in Overport, Durban”.  The presentation focused on the increasing prevalence of asthma among children, highlighting environmental factors.

Joossab said it was a great moment for both her and Naicker. ‘It was surprising and amazing because there were a lot of great presentations.

‘We are really happy and appreciate the support from our supervisor Professor Rajen Naidoo from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. He always encourages us. We wouldn’t have done it without him. 

 ‘It was overall a good experience and  great exposure. The exposure was rewarding in that we are still at the beginning of our careers,’ said Joossab.

Zimbabwean-born Joossab, who moved to South Africa eight years ago, has an Honours degree in Medical Science (Physiology). She graduated with distinctions (Cum Laude) and was accepted to study Medicine.

She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and served as Vice-President in 2008.  Naicker of Port Shepstone plans to specialise in psychiatry while Joossab is considering Obstetrics or Cardiology.

  -          Nombuso Dlamini