We aim to develop a virtual network of African scientists and clinicians committed to exploring Africa-specific developmental origins of health, sharing findings and resources between ourselves, and initiating innovative collaborations across regions and countries in Africa.
The Chapter will recruit and bring together African DOHaD members via this website, social media, messaging channels to share resources and build contacts between ourselves.
The Chapter will begin holding biannual meetings linked to the DOHaD World Congresses.
Discover the attributable effects of early-life exposures on later life NCD burden in Africa
Determine how maternal and paternal health, and environmental factors during the early life (preconception-childhood) in different African settings interact with growth and development to place individuals on trajectories that impact life-long health
Develop strategies to prevent or reverse negative life-course outcomes so as to promote health and wellbeing, and ensuring that all Africans attain their full potential
Ascertain how a DOHaD framework can aid achievement of the sustainable development goals
Assess the best strategies to improve maternal health during pregnancy
Test solutions for optimising child and adolescent health
Increase awareness of DOHaD across Africa
Ensure multisectoral collaboration to address DOHaD across governments, industry, civil society, and academia
Advocate for innovation and funding agencies to include DOHaD science in their calls for proposals
Use, and study the results of, fiscal policies to promote healthy living at all ages
Foster a new generation of young African scientists to address DOHaD research questions
DOHaD Africa Chapter's virtual home is hosted by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation.