Empowering Collaboration: Highlights from the #ENDTB Event

The collaboration and exchange of knowledge among scientists, researchers, social advocates, health professionals, and communities are invaluable in the battle against TB. The recent #ENDTB event hosted by the IDM echoed this as the Faculty of Health Sciences was immersed in a showcase of advancements in tuberculosis research from the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine.

At the heart of the event was a TB research poster exhibition and presentation, highlighting the invaluable contributions of our early-career researchers. Among them, Riyaadh Ahmed, Joseph Gitari, Michelle Mullins, Bongani Motaung, Stefane Motimele, Sibongiseni Poswayo, and Nesbert Zinyakatira epitomize the emerging talent nurtured by the IDM, particularly within the critical domain of TB research.

Eh!woza made a profound impact by presenting their compelling TB-related documentaries and thought-provoking videos, illuminating the harsh realities of TB within the townships of Cape Town. Their portrayal underscored the importance of raising awareness to combat stigma, promote prevention measures, and encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors within affected communities.

A highlight of the event was the engagement with the Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit (MMRU), a research unit within the IDM  that focuses on understanding aspects of mycobacterial physiology and metabolism of relevance to Tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery, drug resistance, and mycobacterial persistence. The MMRU is also involved in a research program on the aerobiology of TB transmission and has a close relationship with the African Microscopy Initiative (AMI). Together the MMRU and AMI team captivated the Faculty of Health Sciences community with an exhibition showcasing the molecular structure of Mycobacterium smegmatis directly from the microscope.

The event would not have been possible without Whitehead Scientific, whose support played a pivotal role in bringing this event to fruition.

Together, we are one step closer to putting an end to this global health challenge. #ENDTB