Patience Mthunzi-Kufa

Mthunzi-Kufa is the initiator and leader of one of the most unique research fields in South Africa, the multidisciplinary area called Biophotonics. The research focus is on the construction and application of photonics-based diagnostic devices for point-of-care detection of HIV-1, TB, COVID-19, as well as non-communicable diseases. The main objective of this work is to allow early detection of diseases to facilitate timely treatment and prevent disease progression or death. Further, her research focuses on the development of photonics-based tools for bulk screening of pharmaceuticals, work which will possibly prevent patients from consuming substandard medication and save millions of lives.