What is your name and where are you from?

I’m Benedict from Durban, South Africa. I’m originally from the village of Embuthisweni. 

When did you join the ACTG? 

2018

Why did you get involved with the ACTG, and what are some of the things you’ve done as a member?

Since I live openly with HIV, I am interested in better treatment and prevention tools. I want to save my country 

Describe your community.

I come from a province that is an epicenter of HIV, TB, cancer, and STIs. My community is very culturally diverse. We are a rural area with a mix of religious and superstitious beliefs. 

What are the most important treatment issues to your community?

Together with other communities, my community is working to ensure that people living with HIV get started on ART for treatment and prevention. Currently in my province, there are 2 million people on treatment thus far out of the 3.1 million people living with HIV. 

How do you want your work in the ACTG to be remembered?

As a strong advocate and activist for people living with HIV and other chronic diseases. I want to be remembered as someone who is very passionate about research and new scientific developments. 

What are your future hopes for the ACTG and HIV research?

I hope that the ACTG will always remain a home for innovative minds, and that the network will continue to be respected for its ability to listen to the community.