SAIDA - The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa

There are about 70 different types of muscular dystrophy and most involve increasing muscle weakness and wasting, leading to physical disability. At first the symptoms are mild but as the muscle worsens simple movements, such as lifting an arm or climbing a staircase, become extremely difficult. It occurs in about 1 in 1000 South Africans, and the age of onset varies.

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation is a non-profit organization which undertakes to support people affected by muscular dystrophy and their families. The Foundation also funds research into muscular dystrophy and related neuro-muscular disorders. There are three branches: Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.

National office
11 Mackay Avenue, NRDI House, 1st Floor, Room 111, Blairgowrie
Postal address: Box 1535, Pinegowrie 2123
Tel.: (011) 789-7634 Fax: (011) 781-3935
Email: national@mdsa.org.za
Website: www.mdsa.org.za

Cape branch
3 Wiener Street, Goodwood
Postal address: Box 752, Goodwood 7459
Tel../Fax: (021) 592-7306
Email: cape@mdsa.org.za

Gauteng branch
Postal address: Box 1535, Pinegowrie 2123
Tel.: (011) 789-7635
Fax: (011) 781-3935
Email: gauteng@mdsa.org.za

KwaZulu-Natal branch
Postal address: Box 290, New Germany 3620
Tel.: (031) 701-3801
Fax: (031) 701-3801
Email: kzn@mdsa.org.za

The International Birth Defects Information Systems (I.B.I.S)

The International Birth Defects Information Systems (I.B.I.S) is a multi-lingual website dedicated to promote better care, wellbeing and prevention of malformation and developmental disorders through information sharing.

IBIS Appeal
IBIS Newsletter

Medical Genetic and Counselling Services

Genetic counselling is a process whereby patients and their families are assisted in addressing their concerns relating to the development or transmission of a genetic disorder. Medical diagnosis, prognosis, the genetics and recurrence risks of the presenting disorder, together with providing families with options to deal with their risks and manage the disorder in the best possible way, are the primary aims of our genetic counselling service. The multidisciplinary team consists of medical geneticists, medical officers, genetic counsellors and students in training.

To find out more about genetic counselling, click here.

To find out more about genetic counselling clinics, please click here, or contact Mrs Zain Jakoet on the following.
Tel: (011) 489-9224
Fax: (011) 489-9224

The Department of Human Genetics, University of the Witwatersrand

The department of Human Genetics at the University of the Witwatersrand has published information on the commoner genetic disorders in South Africa.

Please click here for more information.

The South African Society for Human Genetics

The Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) is a non-profit organization for health care professionals involved and interested in Human or Medical Genetics.

Please click here for more information.

SAIDA - The South African Inherited Disorders Association

SAIDA - Support Groups - The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa