Ntando Yola

Ntando Yola has over a decade involved in the field of clinical research, mobilizing and engaging with communities mostly in HIV prevention trials. He has done most of his work in association with research conducted through the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and its global network where he started as a Community Liaison Officer in Cape Town. His HIV prevention research involvement started with phase 1 HIV vaccine trials where he worked and grew with these communities advancing science progress through their involvement.

Out of this work he realized a need and became involved in HIV prevention advocacy and in 2013 was a fellow through Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention (AVAC). This is where his muscle for advocacy was strengthened and became part of the HIV prevention advocacy movement. At the core to his HIV prevention advocacy work is ensuring that intersections between research, communities and factors that affect communities are recognizable. He believes along with many advocates that success to combat the effects of HIV, especially in Africa, lies in integrating commitments and efforts of biomedicine with human rights informed programming. Science alone will fail if governments, developmental organizations and businesses or trade, anchored by involvement of community voices and participation are not collectively party to development. As part of all his work, Ntando is a member of various networks in country, regionally and globally to advance science, engage communities and advocate for policies towards ending AIDS.