A combined Physical Activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation intervention in South African primary schools

16 October 2025

A combined Physical Activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation intervention in South African primary schools

Pilot testing of the KaziKidz teaching and learning material, shown here in a personal teacher-researcher conversation. Copyright of the photo is available from the University of Fort Hare (Oct 2025, Alice, South Africa).

Pilot testing of the KaziKidz intervention. Copyright of the photo is available from the Nelson Mandela University (Oct 2025, Gqeberha, South Africa).

Pilot testing of the KaziKidz intervention material

Teacher workshop with KaziKidz teaching and learning materials to gain feedback. Copyright of the photo is available from the Nelson Mandela University (Oct 2025, Gqeberha, South Africa).

News from the KaziAfya research study: Effects on Physical Activity, fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

A new article by Dr Siphesihle Nqweniso (University of Fort Hare) and colleagues from Nelson Mandela University, the University of Basel and the Swiss TPH has been published in the journal Children (MDPI). The study formed part of Dr Nqweniso’s PhD research within the KaziAfya project, a large international initiative aimed at improving child health in 3 study settings, such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The South African study involved over 1,000 primary school children from peri-urban areas in Gqeberha. Schools were assigned to different intervention arms:

KaziKidz physical activity lessons - supported by UNESCO,
daily multi-micronutrient supplementation,
a combination of both, or
a control group.

The research examined how these interventions influenced children’s physical activity, fitness, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors over two years.

Findings showed that while the physical activity lessons alone did not significantly increase daily activity levels, micronutrient supplementation contributed to improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and reductions in blood pressure. However, some changes in lipid profiles (such as increases in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol) suggest that interventions must be carefully balanced and contextually tailored. COVID-19 school disruptions also reduced participation, highlighting the importance of consistent school engagement in promoting healthy behaviours.

This study provides important insights showing that combining Quality Physical Education (QPE) (according UNESCO’s QPE framework) with nutritional support can strengthen children’s overall health and reduce long-term risk of non-communicable diseases.

Any further question can be directed to Dr Siphesihle Nqweniso (University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa) or Prof Dr Markus Gerber (University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland):

Nqweniso, S., Walter, C., Randt, R. d., Adams, L., Beckmann, J., Dolley, D., Joubert, N., Long, K. Z., Müller, I., Pühse, U., Seelig, H., Steinmann, P., Utzinger, J., Lang, C., & Gerber, M. (2025). A Combined Physical Activity and Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation Intervention in South African Primary Schools: Effects on Physical Activity, Fitness, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors. Children, 12(10), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101352