A beacon of hope amid the global health crisis, Prof Anofi Ashafa, a distinguished lecturer in Plant Sciences on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, has unveiled a groundbreaking vision for a healthier future. In his inaugural lecture, Green Solutions: The Panacea to Global Disease Burden, Prof Ashafa illuminated the transformative power of nature-based interventions in combating the escalating health challenges of our time.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, Prof Vasu Reddy, said in his welcome address, “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Prof Ashafa's inaugural lecture. Today, we continue a cherished tradition at the University of the Free State – a tradition where inaugural lectures serve as more than just personal milestones. They offer our university community a valuable opportunity to connect, explore diverse fields, and gain insights into the latest developments in various disciplines.”

Ideally, these occasions should be platforms for all faculties and disciplines to come together, giving tangible meaning to our research endeavours. For academics, an inaugural lecture marks a significant achievement in their careers. It represents years of dedication to research, teaching, and scholarly engagement.

“An inaugural lecture is a body of knowledge, a reflection of the lecturer's expertise and beliefs. It showcases perseverance, intellectual rigor, and the potential to make a lasting impact on the academic world,” said Prof Reddy.

Prof Ashafa began his lecture by discussing the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are responsible for a significant proportion of global mortality. He emphasised that these diseases are often linked to environmental factors, such as air pollution, water contamination, and climate change.

To address this challenge, Prof Ashafa proposed a range of green solutions, including the following:

Improving air quality: Planting trees, promoting green infrastructure, and reducing emissions from vehicles and industries can help to improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

Protecting water resources: Investing in clean water infrastructure, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable water management practices can help to ensure access to safe drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

Promoting healthy diets: Consuming fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Creating green spaces: Access to green spaces, such as parks and gardens, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

Promoting active lifestyles: Engaging in regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.

The transformative power of green solutions in addressing global health challenges

Prof Ashafa emphasised that green solutions are not only effective in preventing disease, but also have the potential to create jobs and promote economic growth. He called on governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to implement green solutions and create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

In introducing Prof Ashafa, the acting Campus Vice-Principal: Academic and Research – Prof Aliza le Roux – said that Prof Ashafa has been recognised for his scientific achievements with a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF). He has published 124 peer-reviewed articles, four book chapters, leading to a Scopus h-index of 16 and a Google h-index of 21. “This is a significant recognition of the impact that his work has had. He has more than 1 400 citations of his work. He is doing work that is globally recognised. We are extremely proud to be part of his journey,” concluded Prof Le Roux.

The lecture was well received by the audience, who were impressed by Prof Ashafa's passion and expertise on the topic. The lecture was also praised for its relevance to the current challenges facing the world and its potential to inspire action.

Prof Ashafa's inaugural lecture is an important contribution to the continuing conversation about the role of green solutions in addressing the global disease burden. It provides a comprehensive overview of the issue and offers practical recommendations for action. The lecture is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the importance of environmental health and sustainability.

Click here to watch the full lecture on the UFS YouTube channel.