tawandamusarurwa
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
IN 2020, the world was hit by the coronavirus (Covid-19), a global health pandemic of unprecedented levels in recent times.
By the beginning of 2021, several vaccines had been developed and a number of measures were in place to restrict the spread of the disease.
One of the biggest dangers of a highly infectious virus such as Covid-19 is its mutation.
Zimbabwean virologist Dr Sikhulile Moyo’s discovery of the Omicron variant in November 2021 cannot be overstated.
He may have saved millions of lives across the globe with this seemingly modest feat.
For all his international acclaim, Dr Moyo attributes the success to his family and upbringing.
Dr Moyo — who is a laboratory director and research scientist at the Botswana Harvard Aids Institute — comes from a family with a history of national service and commitment to social development.
“My father is the brother of the late national hero Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo.
“My mother was instrumental in various leadership community structures and contributed to the liberation of the country, as well as helping to set up social programmes and a pre-school in their village,” he told The Sunday Mail.
“My late parents left a legacy of hard work and significant contributions to community development.”
Dr Moyo is also a research associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-chief scientist of the Botswana Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.
He said he grew up with a passion for the sciences.
“From a very young age in primary school, I had a passion for science, in particular the health sciences. I was driven by the passion to change the health of our people.
“So, I was fascinated by the health workers who used to come to our village, or we would travel for miles to see them.
“This passion grew with exposure and mentorship. I was also fortunate to have parents who believed (in education) and sacrificed for our education despite all the odds at the time.
“I count it a privilege to have had an opportunity to explore my potential in an environment and country that believed we can be better people. Having access to Government grants to go to university was priceless,” he said.
A dedicated Christian, Dr Moyo is also a musician. He is close to completing his third album.
Dr Moyo has won several accolades. They include the prestigious German Afrika Foundation Award 2022, the Martin Luther Jr Humanitarian Award, the Festus Mogae Award for Excellence in HIV Research, and the Most Outstanding Researcher Award in Botswana.
In 2022, Dr Moyo was nominated by Time Magazine for the Most Influential People list; and for the Top 100 Most Influential Africans list by the New African Magazine.
In recognition of the Zimbabwe-born scientist, who has made significant contributions in global health, the Zimbabwean Government will bestow the “Order of The Great Zimbabwe Award in Silver” on Dr Moyo.
He is being recognised for outstanding achievements in service of the nation.
The father of three said he attributes his achievements to his family and community, who have played a significant role in his upbringing.
“This is huge. Firstly, I thank God Almighty for showing me grace and the many people who have contributed to my and others’ success, and creating an environment to help us succeed.
“In African culture, a child is raised by the whole village.
“So, it means a lot to me and my entire family.
“My village and country are proud. The continent is proud; it sees the potential of what we can do as a people.
“We have gifts that can be tapped in this corner of the world for global impact,” he said.
“The award means excellence is recognised and celebrated. Others will strive to achieve even 10 times better, because they have shoulders to lean on.
Inspired by his success on the continent and internationally, Dr Moyo is now on a mission to empower future scientists by mentoring some PhD and Masters students.
“Through collaboration of scientists back home, I have already started this process and I am happy with the progress and funding we are beginning to attract,” he said.
“I am also involved in raising the next generation of scientists through direct supervision, mentorship and teaching at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and through ongoing collaborative projects involving the Biomedical Research and Training Institute, the UZ College of Health Sciences and students from various other universities.”
Dr Moyo urged young people who are passionate about the sciences to be unflinching in their pursuits.
“Hard work, perseverance and ingenuity can lead to ground-breaking discoveries that shape the world. You need to keep moving despite your background,” he said.
Online Reporter