Vusi Kubheka

About Me

I am a dedicated student with a bachelor's degree from the University of Witwatersrand, majoring in Psychology and Anthropology, which has fostered a deep passion for research in healthcare disparities, educational outcomes, economic inequality, and public policy. This educational background has equipped me with the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, identify biases, assess the validity of information, and draw meaningful conclusions. Beyond my studies, you can find me on the halfway line of a hockey field, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, or trying to keep up (and failing) with the latest hip-hop releases!

Education

My academic path started with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from Witwatersrand University, where I delved into Community Psychology, Critical Social Psychology, and Psychological Research Design & Analysis. This foundation provided me with a deep understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics, essential for addressing health issues holistically.

Driven by a passion for making a tangible difference, I furthered my education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Social & Behavioural Studies (HIV/AIDS) from the University of South Africa. Here, I explored the social responses to HIV/AIDS, wellbeing in the HIV/AIDS context, and program management, achieving an average grade of 71%. These experiences solidified my commitment to improving health outcomes for those most in need.

Now, at Witwatersrand University, I am honing my skills in health sciences research, data analysis, and health informatics. My coursework includes Innovative Health, Contemporary Health, Health Science Research Methodology, and Health Analytics. A significant highlight of my current studies is my research on Anti-Retroviral Therapy Discontinuation through Predictive Models, which aims to enhance treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

Experience

With a strong foundation in both volunteer and professional roles, I am dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and finding innovative solutions to challenges with limited resources. During my time as a Field Worker at GAP JHB, I collaborated with service providers and support staff to identify over 150 PrEP clients, conducted risk-reduction assessments, and provided crucial HIV prevention and PrEP adherence education.

At Community Media Trust, I excelled in optimizing referral strategies and planning strategic site placements for HIV testing and PrEP services. My efforts resulted in a remarkable 24% increase in annual male HIV testing targets. I also conducted comprehensive analyses to identify and overcome potential obstacles, implemented effective follow-up systems, and prepared detailed Cascade Reports to improve service delivery.

My hard work and commitment were recognized with the M&E Top Achiever Award in 2022 for maintaining meticulous referral data and ensuring its accuracy and usability. This recognition highlights my dedication to surpassing core responsibilities and enhancing the effectiveness of health services.

These experiences have instilled in me a passion for helping vulnerable populations and a knack for inventiveness and problem-solving, driving me to continuously seek out and implement solutions that make a real difference.