DTTC annual dissemination event 2019: Research for impact
The DTTC annual dissemination event at Hazendal. Photo: TB Proof
The Desmond Tutu TB Centre (DTTC) annual dissemination event was held on the 15th of November 2019 at the historic Hazendal Wine Estate. The theme for the event was “Making a Difference: Research for Impact”. Prof. Anneke Hesseling, director at the DTTC, offered a word of welcome and an overview of the key achievements of the Centre for 2019. In addition to more than 90 academic publications, two PhD students graduating, and the successful completion of multiple studies, researchers at the Centre have secured funding for several future projects, including the ‘BENEFIT kids’ project funded by Unitaid. Key presentations included updates from each of the three research pillars at the Centre – Paediatric TB, Operational and HIV Prevention – as well as socio-behavioural research that is cross-cutting across these pillars, and the core functions at DTTC that support all the research. After an enthusiastic welcome from the audience, guest speaker Mr Goodman Makanda, TB activist and member of the DTTC community advisory board (CAB), shared his experience of living with XDR TB. In line with the theme of the day Prof. Hassan Mohamed presented on “Using data to inform health programs” and how to make an impact with research. Laing de Villiers with support from his fellow master of ceremonies, Margaret van Niekerk, helped the audience to relax with a yoga and breathing exercise during the break. The dissemination event ended with a lovely lunch at the Pinushka – “The Kraal” restaurant. Congratulations to all team members for contributing to a successful 2019 at the DTTC.
Attendees at the DTTC annual dissemination event
Masters of Ceremonies, Laing de Villiers and Margaret van Niekerk
Mr Goodman Makanda. Photo: TB Proof
DTTC staff members from the Kuils River site office
Guests enjoying lunch
DTTC staff members, Chrissie Louw, Lisl Martin and Mercia Kuhn
