Strengthening partnerships with communities

30 September 2022

Mr Patrick Mdletshe CAPRISA Head of Community Programme led several community engagement programmes to strengthen partnerships and
understanding of CAPRISA’s scientific studies. Mdletshe was joined by CAPRISA’s Dr Gugu Mzobe Jnr Scientist, Dr Andile Mtshali Postdoc Fellow and Research Clinician Dr Mlungisi Khanyile at several events across KwaZulu-Natal including secondary schools, higher education institutions and rural communities.

“We covered topics that are central to understanding the transmission and prevention of HIV and are often not spoken about. These include vaginal health, gender base violence and open dialogue with young men,” explained Mdletshe.  He said, “empowering communities to understand the process of scientific research and the impact of findings in saving lives was critical in building partnerships.”

We congratulate Mdletshe on his appointment as Deputy Secretary General of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) announced recently at the TAC 7th National Congress.
Photo: Top (L-R): Dr Gugu Mzobe, Mr Patrick Mdletshe and  Dr Andile Mtshali.
Bottom left photo: Dr Mlungisi Khanyile. Bottom right photo:  Representatives from Mangosuthu University of Technology, Vukani Community Centre, Umlazi K Clinic and CAPRISA staff.