PAN South Africa

Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa, established in 2020, is the national chapter of a global medical non-profit organisation in over 10 countries. We work with health professionals, students and policymakers on the role of plant-forward dietary patterns for chronic disease, climate change and pandemic risk.

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Our Mission Brings Changes to Healthcare

Our Mission: Changing the Future of Healthcare

Our mission is to reduce diet-related deaths by prioritising nutrition in healthcare and medical education. We address critical gaps in nutritional education for medical students, engage health professionals in creating healthier food environments, and drive changes in the food system to tackle chronic diseases, climate change, and pandemic risks.

Reduce the staggering toll of 11 million diet-related deaths annually.

Lower food-related emissions by up to 50% through healthier diet choices.

Promote optimal diets for the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

Get to know our initiatives in south africa

Together with our national and global network, we’re raising awareness about the life-saving potential of plant-based diets and driving change toward whole-food, plant-based nutrition across the globe.

We educate medical students, health students and the future health workforce

We connect and empower doctors, health professionals, and communities

We advocate for health and sustainability-focused changes in the health system

As an observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), PAN is committed to amplifying the voices of health professionals on the critical intersection of climate change and nutrition.

PAN South Africa’s national efforts are led by a diverse team of experts who are firmly united in their passion for creating a healthier and more sustainable world

Advisory Board 2024

Nadia Mulder, RD

Advisory Board Member, The Green Dietitian
Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie

Advisory Board Member, Diabetes Alliance
Mafoko Phomane

Advisory Board Member, groundWork
Dr Dave Glass

Advisory Board Member, South Africa Lifestyle Medicine Association (SALMA)
Dr Andre Kengne

Advisory Board Member, Research Director
Donovan Will

Advisory Board Member, ProVeg South Africa

PAN South Africa Team

Dr Nanine Wyma

Executive Director
Prof Andrew Robinson

Medical Director
Pierrette Nhlapo, RD

Projects Manager
Gabriela Lourenco

Community Coordinator
Shaiyah Luthuli

Communications Manager
Shilton Bull

Health Communications Intern

Together, We Can Create a Healthier South Africa.

PAN South Africa’s influence is growing as we work locally and globally to maximise the impact of nutrition in healthcare. With members across nine countries, we’re changing how the world eats, but there’s more to do. Support our work and help us expand our reach in South Africa, transforming nutrition into a cornerstone of healthcare.

Austria

In collaboration with hospitals in Germany and Switzerland, PAN Austria has launched the Healthy Hospital Food Pilot Project to improve patient and staff health while enhancing profitability and public image.
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Brazil

PAN Brazil, Latin America’s first National Office of PAN, addresses NCDs and food insecurity through plant-based nutrition and will join the Civil20 (C20) Brazil in November 2024.
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Czech Republic

PAN Czech Republic offers a 6-week online course for medical practitioners on plant-based nutrition and participates in the Colorful Dining Room project to show children the benefits of healthy, sustainable food.
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Germany

PAN Germany coordinates activities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to optimize funds. It manages educational resources and oversees 16 medical student groups promoting learning and healthier diets.
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India

PAN India serves a growing community of health professionals, offering CME events led by experts on the scientific benefits of nutrition-focused healthcare in reducing premature diet-related deaths globally.
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Israel

PAN Israel supports healthcare practitioners with Journal Club Summaries for discussing case studies and research on whole food plant-based nutrition. It also created the world's first Hebrew nutritional library for doctors and patients.
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Netherlands

PAN Netherlands hosts its first conference for doctors and dietitians, featuring experts on the health benefits of plant-based nutrition for patients, healthcare systems, and the planet.
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South Africa

PAN South Africa partners with national groups and runs university programs to educate future health practitioners. Its leader, Dr. Nanine Wyma, also leads PAN's global transformation.
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United States

The PAN International Foundation oversees global PAN activities, governance, and provides fundraising and training. It also developed the Nutrition for Families program, which now operates separately to support plant-centric education.
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