Head of the HIV/Aids Unit, Dr Ashraf Mohammed, was recently awarded a doctorate in Public Health from the University of Cape Town.

Dr Mohammed, who holds degrees in Microbiology and Medical Science, conducted research on the prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) in advanced HIV-infected patients. This study, which was partially funded by the prestigious Diana Princess of Wales HIV Research Foundation, is one of seven studies of its kind to be conducted in the world.

As a result, the findings of this significant study will be used by several international health organisations (WHO/CDC) in order to undertake a meta-analysis study.

The study, which is titled, “The efficiency of intermittent directly observed Isoniazid for preventing tuberculosis in HIV-infected adults with advanced disease,”was undertaken at public hospitals in the Western Cape.

In order to conduct the study, patients were randomly selected from various health facilities in the Western Cape.

“They were then assessed for eligibility for the trial,” said Dr Mohammed.

Those selected for the study were screened for TB and only those that were free from TB were enrolled for the trial and were required to follow a 24 month treatment programme. The treatment programmes were conducted at Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Somerset Hospitals.

Dr Mohammed said the study took place over several years because patients entered the programme at different times. As a result of the study, Dr Mohammed devised a TB screening instrument.

Through this method, they detected several undiagnosed TB cases (8.5%) in patients who were referred by clinicians as being free from TB. This TB screening instrument for patients with advanced HIV infection in a hospital setting has now been incorporated into the South African National TB Policy Guidelines. Dr Mohammed said he plans to further research in this area.

“I want to extend the study and develop it into a research niche at CPUT,” he said.

Dr Mohammed has already published widely in peer-reviewed journals and also presented his research at several international conferences. Prior to his graduation he had already published two articles in international peer-reviewed journals and is currently drafting a third paper for publication.

He was also awarded the Foggarty Fellowship, which allowed him to complete various aspects of his doctorate at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York.

He was also a recipient of the Guy Elliot Medical Research Fellowship. Dr Mohammed is currently supervising 5 postgraduate students, 2 of which are medical doctors,

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“Make your well-being a priority and feed your body healthy food as this is your first wealth.”

This is the message from Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science lecturer Theloshni Govender, who offers wellness tips, which serve as an educational tool to assist students in making informed and healthier food choices.  “There are many opportunities for students to make an informed healthier decision when it comes to food choices. The wellness tips provided is a start in the right direction,” Govender explains.

She offers the following tips:

• Make fruit and vegetables part of every meal.
• Try a new fruit and vegetable weekly.
• Focus on whole foods and reduce convenience foods
• Reduce portion sizes by using a smaller plate during mealtime.
• Drink at least six glasses of water daily.
• Have a vegan or vegetarian meal at least twice a week.
• Include more sustainable fish in your meal.
• Consume legumes and lentils at least three times a week.
• Have your favourite meals in moderation.
• Limit salt and sugary foods.
• Use herbs and spices to add flavour to your food.
• Plan your meals weekly, as this will eliminate your indulging in unhealthy foods.
• Prioritise sleep - at least eight hours a day.
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day.

Govender adds that obesity is a global pandemic and a public health problem in South Africa, which is illustrated by the national health survey results, which show an increase in obesity in young adults.  “The main drivers for the increase in obesity include poor eating habits, the marketing of processed foods which are high in fat, and sugar-rich beverages, insufficient physical activity and buying unhealthy food.”

She says according to the World Health Organisation, obesity greatly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type two diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. “Also, there are recent studies which showed that the obese COVID-19 patients get more complications and they take longer to recover.”

Her favourite quote is by Heather Morgan: “Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it” For more wellness tips, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce