Allergy Foundation of South Africa jobs and careers

About Allergy Foundation of South Africa

We are currently facing an allergy epidemic. Allergic diseases are increasing in both first world, lower & middle income countries. A third of South Africans will suffer from some allergic disease during their life. 40% of allergy sufferers are children. Commonest conditions are eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), urticaria & anaphylaxis. Allergies cause school & work absenteeism. This affects patients quality of life and finances. There is a large burden of the disease at primary care level leading to high healthcare costs. Poor treatment at primary care leads to increased health care costs overall. AFSA strives to save lives, enhance the quality of life and reduce the cost of healthcare for South Africans suffering from allergic disorders & primary immune deficiencies. It was established in 2015 by the Allergy Society of South Africa (www.allergysa.org) to serve the broader needs of the public. We aim to create awareness, advise & educate patients, promote responsible care, assist with advocacy & raise funds for professional development. Current projects: ◊ Establishing a membership base of people with an interest in allergies & primary immune deficiencies. ◊ Establishing a vital patient resource – a list of professionals with expertise & interest in allergy. ◊ Compiling patient information brochures in four official languages (English/Afrikaans/isiXhosa/Sesotho). ◊ Co-ordinating & compiling the ‘Allergy in schools’ consensus statement of AFSA, ALLSA, Allergy Alive & Equal Education Law Centre. Advocating for its adoption with all governing bodies. ◊ Producing online educational modules on food allergy in schools, one aimed at laypeople & people without food allergies, & the second a training module for patients with food allergy, their parents, carers & school staff. ◊ A video on severe asthma to highlight ordinary South Africans suffering with severe asthma at a pscho-social level.