Welcome to UpToSPAED 2025

On behalf of the Wits Paediatric Fund, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 12th annual
UpToSPAED conference in 2025.

UpToSPAED continues to be a cornerstone event for both paediatric education and fundraising, supporting the essential work of the Wits Paediatric Fund. This conference serves as a vital platform for sharing the latest advancements, fostering collaboration, and ensuring excellence in paediatric care across the region.

This year’s academic programme remains comprehensive and CPD-accredited, featuring ethics points and two half-day workshops alongside our 2.5-day main programme. We have an exciting lineup, including a panel discussions on general paediatric topics as well as specialty-specific updates such as sessions on nephrology, gastroenterology, neonatology, infectious diseases, surgery, and much more. We will continue to look at how AI is impacting on paediatric practice and there will be a session on ethics and legal matters.

Funds raised continue to benefit paediatric departments across our network of hospitals, including our three central Johannesburg hospitals—Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic—as well as our six training circuit hospitals: Sebokeng, Thelle Mogoerane, Klerksdorp, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, and Tambo Memorial Hospital.

As the largest Department of Paediatrics and Child Health in South Africa, our reach extends far beyond our immediate institutions. Through the PAWS networks, we remain connected with over 1,200 paediatricians across the continent, reinforcing our role as a hub for knowledge exchange and advocacy.

We look forward to engaging with you, sharing insights, and collectively shaping the future of paediatric healthcare.

See you at UpToSPAED 2025!