Dr. Nelia Steyn

Prof. Steyn has an MPH from the University of Cape Town and a PHD from the Community Health Department of the University of Stellenbosch. Her three main areas of research are related to (i) the field of chronic diseases of lifestyle, particularly type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other issues relating to a healthy lifestyle; (ii) dietary methodology, particularly as it relates to dietary surveys; and (iii) food security in southern Africa, including the double burden of malnutrition. Most of her publications and conference presentations are in these three areas. She was the chair and convener of the NCD expert committee which developed the questionnaires for the recent SANHANES study. She also has extensive teaching and community-related nutrition experience after working for the Department of Health for 10 years, and for 10 years as Head and Professor of the Department of Human Nutrition at the University of the North (Limpopo), which she started in 1992. She served as the Chair of the Education Committee of the Professional Board for Dietitians of the Health Professionals Council for eight years and as the deputy Vice Chair of the Board. She has also served as a council member of the Nutrition Society and of the South African Society for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition. Prof Steyn has published more than 160 peer-reviewed articles and 28 additional publications including book chapters. She has been an editor and co-editor of two books on community nutrition.