This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Unwavering Dedication to Fighting Aids ¶
July 5, 2019
Judy Khanyola, a dedicated nurse, has spent over two decades fighting against Aids in Africa. Her unwavering dedication has earned her an Excellence Global HIV Nursing Award, which she will receive in Portland, Oregon.
Khanyola's journey began in the 1990s, when she left for Uganda to be on the frontline in the fight against Aids. Her 'crusade' saw her work in East, Central and Southern Africa, and more recently in Sierra Leone and DR Congo following the Ebola Virus Disease outbreaks in those countries.
Her work has not gone unnoticed, and she has received the Association of Nurses in Aids Care (ANAC) Global Award for her HIV in Africa initiative.
Khanyola is also the Africa Representative for Nursing Now, a global campaign that aims to raise the status and profile of nurses. She sits on the AFREhealth Governing Council and is the Regional Nursing Advisor, Africa at Columbia University.
Khanyola met with Nyakundi Report to discuss her experiences and challenges as a nurse. She spoke about the importance of compassion in nursing, and how it requires deep understanding of the human anatomy and science.
Khanyola also shared her personal struggles, including her fear of her 23-year-old daughter making the wrong choice of a spouse. She expressed her desire for her daughter to have a companion and friend who will walk with her life journey.
Despite her many accomplishments, Khanyola remains humble and does not see herself as a reward-seeker. She believes that living life and getting things done is reward enough.
