The National Medical and Dental Association (NAMDA), an organised body of health care professionals, was established in 1982 to directly counter the effects of apartheid policies on the provision of health care services in South Africa. Records from affiliated or associated groups are also included in the collection, including: the Organisation for Appropriate Social Services in Southern Africa (OASSSA), the Health Workers' Association (HWA), the National Emergency Services Group (NESG), the National Progressive Primary Health Care Network (NPPHCN), the South African Health and Social Services Organisation (SAHSSO), the National Health and Unity Forum (NHUF), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU), and the South African Health Workers' Congress (SAHWCO).