Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death for South Africans
Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes account for a majority of deaths in South Africa, highlighting an urgent need for preventive strategies. At PAN South Africa, we advocate for plant-based nutrition as a powerful tool to combat lifestyle-related illnesses while addressing public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
PAN South Africa in 2023
208
Members of PAN University Groups
2340
CPD Points Awarded to Health Professionals
377K+
Viewership of our Media Activities
92%
Social Media Follower Growth
Celebrating Progress: PAN South Africa Annual Review 2023
Discover how PAN South Africa made strides in 2023, advancing plant-based nutrition through research, education, and community outreach. From publishing a groundbreaking study on type 2 diabetes to awarding over 5,000 CPD points and expanding our PAN University across three medical campuses, 2023 was filled with impactful milestones. Our efforts in health communications, including a rapidly growing social media presence and indigenous food awareness campaigns, further amplified our mission.
Discover ways we are making an impact in South Africa
Advancing Type 2 Diabetes Solutions with Plant-based Nutrition
PAN South Africa’s study, titled A Plant-Based Dietary Approach to the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in South Africa: Short Communication of a Multiple-Case Study, highlights the transformative power of plant-based diets in addressing South Africa’s diabetes epidemic, which affects over 4.2 million adults. Based on the 21-Day Diabetes Challenge by Ubuntu Wellness, the study involved 10 participants following a sugar-free, oil-free, plant-based regimen under physician supervision, leading to significant improvements in their condition. These improvements included diabetes remission, better glycaemic control, weight loss, reduced medication use, and enhanced overall well-being. These findings were published in the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition and strongly align with PAN South Africa's mission to promote sustainable, health-focused nutrition in a country grappling with food insecurity. Click below to explore our groundbreaking study on diabetes.
Empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders
PAN South Africa’s PAN University program bridges the gap in nutrition education within South Africa’s tertiary institutions. With groups established at Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town, the University of Pretoria, and the University of the Western Cape, we equip medical and health science students with vital knowledge in sustainable nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and planetary health. Through engaging events and interactive training, students gain hands-on exposure to plant-based foods and evidence-based practices. Our mission is to empower future doctors, dietitians, and health professionals with the tools to address pressing public health and environmental challenges.
The Plant-Based Nutrition Journal Series has awarded over 6,000 CPD points to South African health professionals
PAN South Africa’s Journal Series provides licensed healthcare professionals with a simple, engaging way to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points while staying informed on the latest nutrition and planetary health advancements. Each month, subscribers receive cutting-edge research articles covering plant-based healthcare topics, accredited for 3 CPD points. This program empowers professionals with practical insights to enhance patient care and advance public health. With over 6,000 CPD points awarded since 2019, it’s an invaluable resource for staying at the forefront of evidence-based nutrition in South Africa.
PAN South Africa: Driving Global Change Through International Projects
PAN South Africa is part of the Dietary Guidelines Initiative, advocating for plant-forward, culturally inclusive, and sustainable food-based dietary guidelines to improve health and address environmental challenges across Africa.
The Healthy Hospital Food Program promotes nutritious, balanced meals to improve patient health and well-being, while supporting sustainable food practices. The Global Healthy Hospital Food Network brings together hospital-based champions across the world.
Through the Green Food Experience, we offer funding opportunities for medical students to promote and serve whole food, plant-based food on their campuses across South Africa.