Visitors to CAPRISA Research sites

3 September 2022

CAPRISA research sites hosted three global delegations during the month of August. From 15 – 26 August in collaboration with the Vietnam University College of Health Science (VUCHS) CAPRISA hosted three medical students in an exchange programme for 12 days, as part of a new collaboration between CAPRISA and VUCHS. Professor Andrew Taylor-Robinson from the VUCHS accompanied the students to gain insight in HIV/TB prevention and treatment research in urban and rural settings.  The enriching activities included visits to CAPRISA’s Clinical Research Sites and meetings with CAPRISA’s leadership, scientists, clinicians, students, and staff. A special highlight for the students was the opportunity to participate in community engagement programmes. 

Photo: (L-R): Dr Mishka Valjee, Research Clinician; Mr Dang Huu Thien; Ms Helen Hingle, Operations Manager; Dr Disebo Potloane, Vulindlela Site Director; Ms Nguyen Th! My Hao, Medical Student (VCHS); Mr Le Phan Khanh Huy, Medical Student (VCHS); Mr Callin Chetty, Study Coordinator; Ms Sindisiwe Mazibuko, Research Assistant; and Professor Andrew Taylor-Robinson, VCHS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 24 August Dr Sharon Achilles, Deputy Director of Reproductive Health Technologies, and Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) led a delegation on a visit to the CAPRISA Vulindlela Research site. The delegation held discussions with Dr Disebo Potloane (Vulindlela Site Director), Dr Sinaye Ngcapu (CAPRISA Senior Scientist), Professor Elizabeth Bukusi Deputy Director at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the research staff from the University of Cape Town (UCT), KEMRI and CAPRISA. 

The Vulindlela site is undertaking the first in human, Phase 1, experimental medicine trial to test a novel, vaginal live biotherapeutic product that promotes a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbial community in women of reproductive age. The delegation visited CAPRISA’s headquarters for an informative tour at the Laboratory.

Photo front row (L-R): Ms Tanya Pidwell, Project Manager at The Creative Answer; Dr Disebo Potloane, Site Director; Ms Lindsey Baker, Finance Associate at BMGF; Ms Helen Hingle, Operations Manager;  Ms Sindi Mazibuko, Research Assistant; Dr Andile Mtshali, Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Back row (L-R): Mr Callin Chetty, Study Coordinator; Dr Sharon Achilles, Deputy Director Reproductive Health Technologies at BMGF; Dr Gary Means, Senior Program Officer Global Health at BMGF; Dr Jennifer Gardiner, Senior Program Officer Reproductive Health Technologies at BMGF; Dr Jonathan Arm, Deputy Director Translational Sciences at BMGF; Dr Brian Kullin, Scientist at the University of Cape Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 30th August CAPRISA hosted Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). He was accompanied by Dr Theresa Madubuko (Chief of Staff), and Dr Chrys Promesse Kaniki (Senior Public Health Analyst).  Professor Kogie Naidoo, Deputy Director led the discussions on CAPRISA’s core research programmes and strengthening collaborations with the Africa CDC. “The rich discussions are a testament to our collective vision and goal to improve public health for all in Africa. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration through shared expertise, generating new expertise and in improvements in translating policy into practice,” she said. 

Photo back Row (L-R): CAPRISA colleagues: Dr Bongeka Hlabisa, Research Clinician; Dr Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Head Statistics; Professor Derseree Archary, Senior Scientist; Dr Tanuja Gengiah, Head Pharmacy & Senior Scientist; Dr Rubeshan Perumal, Senior Scientist; Dr Nigel Garret, Head: Pathogenesis and Vaccine Research. Front Row (L-R): Dr Theresa Madubuko, Chief of Staff; Professor Kogie Naidoo, CAPRISA Deputy Director; Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Director General Africa CDC; and Dr Chrys Promesse Kaniki, Senior Public Health Analyst.  Front Row (L-R): Dr Theresa Madubuko, Chief of Staff; Professor Kogie Naidoo, CAPRISA Deputy Director; Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Director General Africa CDC; and Dr Chrys Promesse Kaniki, Senior Public Health Analyst.