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The 77th Union World Conference Lung Health, held in Indonesia this month, was a pivotal event for the global lung health community. This year, the USAID ACCELERATE 2 TB Project team, represented by THINK experts, made a significant impact with their participation and presentations. A Platform for Change The Union Conference is renowned for bringing together experts and stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and collaborate on strategies to combat tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases. THINK was honored to contribute to these critical conversations and gain insights from the diverse experiences of attendees. Key Presentations Tasha Govender, Chief of Party [...]

To align efforts and enable comprehensive project rollout for the USAID ACCELERATE 2 Project, THINK has signed formal agreements with the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape provinces. These agreements signify a shared vision and a commitment to working together. Mr. Lambane emphasized that, “An MoU is more than just a formal agreement; it represents a shared vision and a commitment to working together. By aligning our efforts, we can make a significant impact on TB treatment and management.” The MoUs have solidified partnerships, enabling a comprehensive project rollout. Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Lambane shared: “Our mission was clear [...]

Kathleen Webb, the Health Team Lead for USAID in Cape Town, Dr Prineetha Naidoo, Head of Projects (MatCH), Handri Liebenberg (Western Cape Government Health, Cape Winelands), and Cindy Dlamini, TB / Integrated Services Team Lead (USAID) at the launch in Worcester. The introduction of mobile Digital Chest X-ray Services to the Western Cape province has been a significant highlight of the USAID ACCELERATE 2 Project. In collaboration with THINK’s sub-partner, MatCH, the unit was unveiled at the Worcester CHC in the Cape Winelands district and at the Malmesbury CHC in the West Coast. This mobile unit provide X-ray services [...]

Representatives from USAID and THINK with participants from other USAID TB-focused projects attending the training. In June, USAID facilitated a training session on Grant and Cooperative Agreement Compliance in Cape Town. This crucial training aimed to bolster the capacity of organizations to comply with USAID’s rules and regulations, thereby enhancing their operational effectiveness. Chipo Mutambo, Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID ACCELERATE 2 Project, and Nomalungelo Msimango, Senior Finance Officer, represented THINK. Participants included a diverse group of representatives from USAID TB-focused projects across several countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Bangladesh, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. This convergence [...]

The team that participated in the Cape Winelands support visit During August, the Cape Winelands District welcomed a delegation from USAID to assess and support the ACCELERATE 2 Project. The visit included three distinguished USAID officials: Cindy Dlamini, Deve Mehta, and Bridget Mugisa. They were joined by representatives from the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness for Cape Winelands District, the ACCELERATE 2 Project management team led by Chief of Party Tasha Govender from THINK, and its sub-partner MatCH. The primary goals of the visit were to: Provide guidance, mentorship and expertise to local health facilities and the [...]

The ACCELERATE 2 attendees represented the district teams On October 4th the ACCELERATE 2 team concluded a three-day Annual Review Meeting, reflecting on the year’s achievements and planning future milestones. This strategic gathering, led by Chief of Party Tasha Govender, was a deep dive into the Project's achievements over the past year and a strategic planning session for the future. The discussions were focused, reflecting on the ambitious goals and critical milestones ahead and the innovative approaches needed to reach them. A standout feature of the event was the interactive Q&A session, during which team members from various [...]

With unwavering dedication to improving public health, the District Manager for the USAID ACCELERATE 2 Project in Fezile Dabi District, Nontokozo Ndlovu stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. With a rich background in health psychology and a proven track record in project management, her career reflects a deep commitment to combating pressing health challenges, particularly HIV, TB, and COVID-19 in underserved communities. Ndlovu prioritizes effective task delegation while ensuring that her team remains focused on the human impact of their work. “We are treating individuals, not just numbers,” she asserts a philosophy that underpins her approach to public health. [...]

Millicent Seopati, the dynamic Mangaung District Manager for the USAID ACCELERATE 2 Project, brings over 18 years of expertise in public health and NGO management. Driven by a passion for strengthening healthcare systems, Millicent is deeply committed to making a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Her career began with the Department of Health, where she gained invaluable insights that laid the foundation for her previous role as District Manager for THINK’s TB-LON Programme in KwaZulu-Natal. Millicent’s strong leadership and human-centered management style have been pivotal to her success, and she is known for her collaborative, people-oriented approach to leadership. [...]

Masheke Setlhare’s journey in the field of public health, is defined by a strong commitment to leadership and mentorship. In the ACCELERATE 2 Project, she is dedicated to fostering a growth-oriented and supportive work environment where the team can thrive and perform at their best. Through strategic planning, resource allocation, and regular team engagement, Masheke ensures that all Project activities align with the Program's broader goals. Success, as Masheke defines it, is a blend of numbers and quality. It’s about meeting USAID’s targets within the allocated budget and timeframe while achieving stakeholder and funder satisfaction. She emphasizes continuous improvement, capacity building, [...]

Thililelwi Shirley Mashapha, a proud Limpopo lady, currently serves as the district manager for THINK’s USAID ACCELERATE 2 in the Vhembe district. Her healthcare journey began in her hometown, where she completed her schooling and earned a Nursing degree from the University of Venda. While her career path has taken her across various provinces, her Limpopo roots have always drawn her back home. Thililelwi brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to her current role with THINK, where she is acutely aware of the challenges involved in managing health programs in rural districts, particularly in areas such as recruitment and [...]