With the bi-annual SASCA Congress returning in May 2025, we take a closer look at what attendees can look forward to
The Southern African Spinal Cord Association (SASCA) aims to inform healthcare professionals and policy makers to promote good rehabilitation practices. This is done by offering a platform for research in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation to be shared, and networking opportunities for medical professionals, service providers, academic institutions and government.
“SASCA is devoted to real research and finding real answers for SCI,” shares Melanie Harding, the current SASCA chairperson. “We believe we should be at the top of our field and offer the best the world has to offer, but in a proven effective way and thus the importance of good ethical research and educating the professionals and consumers alike.”
“We also like to keep the Southern African professionals abreast of all the latest research on SCI from around the world,” she continues. The Congress is open to any international visitors and will include several noteworthy international speakers.
“We have amazing overseas speakers, leaders in the field, attending including Dr Brian Kwon from ICord in Vancouver and Dr Halaluya Moshi from Tanzania as well as Dr Any Haig and Dr Briann Mkiva. All of these are experts in the field of SCI and rehabilitation will share their wealth of experience with us,” Melanie explains.
This year, attendees can look forward to topics on: Exploring male intimacy after SCI; Neurochemical biomarkers of acute SCI (research and clinical implications); Enhancing patient outcomes though team integration; Creativity as a means to building a fulfilling life post SCI; and physical trauma and life with SCI in African resource constrained areas.
“These topics look at new research, and how it can translate into new practice. It looks at team work, which is key in SCI rehab,” Melanie comments. “It also looks at sexuality, which is a crucial part of all our lives and especially for persons with SCI.”
The 2025 SASCA Congress will take place in Cape Town from 22 to 24 May in conjunction with the South African Spine Society (for a second year). You can register for the event on the official Congress website with early bird (discounted) registration closing on 7 April.
SASCA members receive further discounts when registering. It is free to become a SASCA member and membership is open to any individual with an interest in spinal cord injury even if they are not working in the field.
