1. Needs Assessment of Addiction Science Programmes at Universities in South Africa and Preparatory work for curriculum development

Currently South Africa has only two universities in the country that offer a formal post graduate diploma in addictions care, which is inadequate to meet the need. The development and implementation of academic curricula is a very complex, challenging, and often difficult and complicated process. To ensure the success and sustainability of new programs, it is important to follow a systematic process.

The South African Chapter of ICUDDR’s aim is to engage more universities in the country to develop and implement academic curricula in addiction science. Hence, the South African ICUDDR undertook the first phase of conducting a formal needs assessment of universities throughout the country to identify the needs of universities regarding addiction science training and curriculum development. This needs analysis took inventory of the addiction science education and training landscape and looking at gaps or absence of addiction programmes.

The data obtained from the needs assessment allows the South African ICUDDR to propose recommendations and provide support to assist these universities with the next phase of curriculum development and adaption of addiction programmes as well as developing academic staff competencies in the addiction field.

Needs include understanding addiction, curriculum development and implementation support. Plans to systematically address each of these needs are being executed across multiple areas of the country.