Pretoria - The Human Science Research Council (HSRC) has opened a nutrition centre to study the underlying causes of chronic lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, launched the HSRC Centre for the Study of the Social and Environmental Determinants of Nutrition in Cape Town on Monday.
The centre aims to investigate, the integration of the molecular and the social aspects of nutrition, to enhance the quality of life of the country's population through excellence in nutrition research and its dissemination.
The new facility will undertake innovative and collaborative research into the social and environmental factors of nutrition which will lead to the global improvement of nutrition knowledge and nutritional status.
It will also strive to serve as a resource centre in knowledge of African diets and foods and to create a research environment conducive to training as well as personal and professional growth.
