I recently had the opportunity to attend a training on gene therapy (as an option for HIV eradication), and it was truly eye-opening. Being in a room with advocates and professionals who are passionate about improving lives through science reminded me how important awareness and education really are.
Gene therapy represents a powerful shift in modern medicine. Instead of only treating symptoms, it focuses on addressing diseases at their genetic root, offering hope for many conditions that previously had limited treatment options. Learning about these advancements made me realise how important it is for communities to understand what is possible in healthcare today.
In South Africa and around the world, many people are still unfamiliar with gene therapy. That’s why advocacy matters. When informed individuals share knowledge in communities, organisations, and platforms, we help bridge the gap between scientific progress and public understanding.
Institutions like the World Health Organization often emphasize that health innovation must go hand in hand with public education. Real impact happens when people not only learn but also pass that knowledge on.
Attending this training reminded me that being an advocate means more than listening – it means sharing, educating, and helping others understand innovations that could change lives. Awareness is the first step toward access and progress. I am also happy to share that I have been selected to join the group of HIV Cure Research Ambassadors in South Africa, and cannot wait to share the knowledge and wisdom I get from the ambassadorship programme to the communities I serve.
Nhlanhla Tshabalala
