Future World Changers

Whilst advances in medicine have created several solutions currently used in the developed world, there is an evident gap in addressing similar issues in low income countries. My hope is to acquire the skills necessary to address the existing healthcare problems.

I am doing this by working with GOVIRAL, which is a social enterprise founded by UofG alumna Jiska van der Reest and Ryan Gersava. GOVIRAL aims to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis B within the Philippines by increasing awareness, advocacy and access to treatment.

Working with GOVIRAL has given me the opportunity to apply some of the scientific skills I’m developing through my PhD, whilst seeing first-hand how a social enterprise can map out effective solutions to address healthcare concerns and navigate existing political and economic issues.

In the long run, my hope is to continue identifying sustainable solutions to healthcare issues whilst identifying ways to equip individuals within those communities with necessary skills to make a living.

Why Glasgow?

I chose to study at the University of Glasgow because I felt the PhD programme would offer me a chance to develop both my academic and interpersonal skills though the various opportunities offered, as well as having state of the art facilities for Cancer Sciences.

Why Cancer Sciences?

My desire to investigate cancer development and progression began when my brother was successfully treated as a baby. Whilst the tumour they removed from him was benign, I developed a keen interest in finding out why certain cancers like Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia recur.

The field of cancer sciences is an ever evolving field with new strides in addressing it being made every day. The chance to be a part of the efforts to design more effective treatments is what I like best.

Kudzai is one of the University of Glasgow’s Future World Changers: students with ambitions to improve lives across the globe. Follow their journeys using #UofGFWC.