PATA’s Health Provider Champions
PATA’s Health Provider Champions celebrates nurses, counsellors, doctors, social workers, pharmacists, community health workers and peer supporters who deliver quality HIV prevention, treatment and care services for children, adolescents and young people in clinics and communities where they Do it Right, Do it Together, Do it Every day!
Health Provider Champions share their stories from across sub-Saharan Africa.
Meet the health provider champions and their nominees from the PATA 2022 Summit
Nkwen Baptist Health Center, Cameroon
This campaign builds on the IAS Me and My Healthcare Provider Champions Campaign. You can find more stories from the South African and Zambian champions here.
Ending AIDS for children once and for all
It is only through health providers that we can make progress in ensuring that no child is denied treatment and that new infant HIV infections are prevented by 2030, in alignment with the Global Alliance by UNAIDS, UNICEF and the WHO.
Why our health providers are champions
“Mwakhe Ziqubu, Counselor, Sebokeng, South Africa, is a loving and caring person. He always called me to check up on me and linked me to other young people in the same situation as I am. He helped me understand that HIV is not the end of the world. When you talk about care, you talk about Mzwakhe.”
“Talla Clarise, Nurse, Bamenda, Cameroon, makes me feel comfortable. She has taught me the importance of adherence.”
“Rebecca Phasha, Nurse, Vanderbijl, South Africa, is a patient, humble person who always makes sure I am comfortable. I am studying nursing and want to be like her.”
“Tikhale Singano, Zalewa, Malawi, has taught me to never give up, always love my health, and never be ashamed. She makes me feel at home and always greets with a smile.”
“Thebekile Shabalala, Nurse, Pretoria, South Africa, is always friendly and supportive.”
“Nomonde Ntabi, Nurse, Midrand, South Africa, is a good communicator and is friendly when dealing with kids.”
“Pamela Madziwa, Nurse, Johannesburg, South Africa, is always smiling. He has a good heart.”
“Besa Chiwati, Environmental Health Officer, Lusaka, Zambia, has a heart of gold and makes me feel at home.”
“Lucia Jaravani, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, makes me feel relaxed and at home. She has taught me that being positive is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter full of hope.”
“Cephas Nkandu, Peer Supporter, Kafue Lusaka, Zambia, is passionate in working with adolescents. He is a hard-working, sociable person and a good listener. He can encourage and comfort adolescents when needed.”
“Bertherida Lukalanga, Nurse, Lusaka, Zambia, works and communicates well with the youth and adolescents. She is a calm and jovial person.”
“Nonhlanhla Mazaleni, Johannesburg, South Africa, is incredibly passionate about our wellbeing. She makes me feel safe.”
“Ms Nonhlanhla Mazaleni, Community Health Worker, Johannesburg, South Africa has changed my life ever since I met her. She helped me understand what I was going through. Her programme helped young people living with HIV and encouraged everyone to know their HIV status.”
“Charity Zimba Bwalya, Nurse, Kafue, Zambia, is always friendly and encourages me to remain healthy. She does her work with passion and a caring heart. She has always ensured I adhere to my treatments and is one of the most caring nurses I have come across.”
“Nomusa Ndlovu, Nurse, Harare, Zimbabwe, is so welcoming and friendly. She is non-judgmental and always gives the best advice. She always encourages us to take our medication.”
“Faith Kiruthi, Nurse, Nairobi, Kenya, is youthful and empathetic. She has taught adolescents several lessons including self-care.”
“Monde Wamunyima, Doctor, Kafue, Zambia, is efficient and makes me feel valued by giving me her undivided attention. She takes the time to listen and counsel people in a firm but gentle way.”
“Monica Mutondo, Clinical Officer General, Lusaka, Zambia. With her around, I feel so open and safe. She always makes sure that all adolescents living with HIV are fast-tracked with their drug refill appointments. She helped me realise that I can be whoever I want to be in life, regardless of my HIV status.”
“Innocent Okello, Lira,Uganda, makes me feel good and at home. He is approachable, loving and easy to talk to.”
“Letsiwe Ngubane, Nurse, Buhleni, Eswatini, is caring, non-judgmental and always listens carefully. She taught me to ignore stigma and discrimination.”
“Nomusa Ndlovu, Nurse, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, listens to all issues from adolescents without being judgmental. She is forthcoming when it comes to activities for adolescents and she is very approachable.”
“Nomathemba Mpangane, Nurse, Midrand, South Africa, is a hard worker who is passionate about her work.”
“Susan Aciro, Nurse, Lira, Uganda, is loving and kind. She has taught us to love one another and respect our elders.”
“Mathar Amuso, Sorothi, Uganda, treats everyone equally. She has taught us that even though you are positive, you can still lead a normal life.”
Tembi Tsabalala, Nurse, Pretoria, South Africa, is a good person.”
“Lubega Kizza, Kampala, Uganda, makes me feel good and happy. He has taught me to adhere to my treatment.”
“Tembi Thwala, Nurse, Mkhondo, South Africa, is so loving and selfless. She does her work with passion.”
“Eugen Chamba, Clinical Officer General, Kitwe, Zambia, is a very understanding health care worker. He is very determined and passionate about his work.”
“Achola Catherine, Counsellor, Mbale, Uganda, has mercy upon adolescents and is very friendly.”
“Matali Mashonga, Nutritionist, Kitwe, Zambia, is ready to associate with anyone at all times and always gives good services.”
“Dineo Rammala, Nurse, Pretoria, South Africa, is easy to approach. She allows us to open up without feeling judged or uncomfortable.”
“Ndumiso Madubele, Program Specialist, Cape Town, South Africa, takes people seriously and is passionate about what he does. He fights for transformation and is good with giving out knowledge.”
“My nurse does not judge me and always makes sure I am comfortable. She considers my feelings and always says the right thing. She makes sure my voice is heard and understood.”
“Charles Chishala, Nurse, Kafue, Zambia, is a committed professional and welcoming nurse. He ensures that adolescents are treated with special care. With his commitment and dedication, he has made Chikuoi Rural Health Centre a better place.”
“Busiswe Pretty Hlongwa, Nurse, Durban, South Africa, is very dedicated, passionate and committed to her work. She is always available and assists in our disclosure sessions.”
“Liane Campbell, Doctor, Mbeya, Tanzania, always makes me feel happy. She is kind, charming and compassionate.”
“Pierson Taika, Neno, Malawi, always makes sure our sessions are confidential. They have taught me to not miss my treatments and to reduce my stress.”
“Betherida Lukalanga, Nurse, Lusaka, Zambia is a saviour and mother to all. She is always there to offer one-on-one psychosocial support to adolescents and young people. I enjoy the way she talks about adherence in the counselling sessions in a calm manner. Most of the young people have become virally suppressed due to her magical counselling and support skills.”
We are always looking for stories and insights into how health providers are #DoingTheRightThing. Share a story about yourself or a health provider that inspires you and select stories will be featured on PATA’s website and beyond.
