Organization: Manchester University Foundation Trusts (MFT)
Region: Europe
Nationality: Zimbabwe
Country: United Kingdom
Interests & expertise: Co-infections (TB, hepatitis, STIs, etc.)
Profession or occupation: Healthcare worker/social service provider
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
Although I did not make a conscious decision to work in HIV rather than other medical fields, it is the day-to-day challenges of being a medical practitioner in rural Zimbabwe that chose this career for me. I saw the challenges my community was facing due to HIV and I felt I could do something to help. Before I knew it, I was an HIV practitioner, and I have always desired to do more.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
I hope to learn more from experienced individuals in the field and widen my network for professional development and support. As a mentor in the Global Vaccine Enterprise, I hope to inspire young Africans to contribute towards HIV research and also work out some cross-border collaborations in Africa. I also hope to establish my own institute for research in rural Zimbabwe, where I assist young people on conducting local research.