The Aurum Institute is proud to announce that Blossom Makhubalo, our Community Engagement Manager, has been appointed as one of the newest members of the Global Tuberculosis Community Advisory Board (TB CAB). Blossom joins the TB CAB, an international network of advocates committed to advancing the interests of communities affected by TB, in her personal capacity. The announcement coincides with the launch of the new TB CAB website, a platform dedicated to highlighting the group's work and the critical role of community involvement in TB research and advocacy.
Blossom Makhubalo's appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to ending TB globally and her advocacy for a people-centred, rights-based approach. Her extensive experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by TB will be invaluable to the TB CAB's mission.
“As a social worker, I have always found myself working with people and communities who are disproportionately impacted by TB," said Blossom Makhubalo. "TB is a social disease, and we cannot only treat it medically while ignoring its social dimensions. The inequities and structural barriers in these communities have driven my passion for advocating a holistic approach when working with communities affected by TB. I firmly believe that programmes, interventions, and trials should be designed with people, not just for them."
She further explained, “I hope to leverage my background in social work and my experience as a community engagement manager in the clinical trial space to ensure that the social determinants associated with high TB burden settings are addressed. It’s vital to recognise that it is not the individuals who are a burden but rather the settings and circumstances that place them at risk."
Aurum celebrates Blossom's appointment and her commitment to fostering meaningful community involvement in TB research and policy. Her advocacy aligns perfectly with our goal to drive forward a more equitable and comprehensive approach to ending TB worldwide.
For more information, visit www.globaltbcab.org.
Meet the newest members of the Global TB Community Advisory Board (TB CAB), a cadre of scientifically literate advocates who represent the voice of TB-affected communities at every step of the TB R&D process. Visit the TB CAB's new website to learn more: https://t.co/3PkDVYummy pic.twitter.com/6pRRaHx05j
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