The South African government has urged all its citizens to do their bit in a bid to fight the growing coronavirus crisis – and that’s exactly what this University of Stellenbosch medical student wanted to do by signing up for the CrowdFight Covid-19 drive.
The Capetonian research scientist – who has always been passionate about giving back – heard about the initiative aimed at using all available resources to fight Covid-19 while searching the internet for both national and international organisations seeking volunteer scientists to help deal with the virus.
“It was just a perfect initiative to consider moving forward in volunteering my research expertise wherever possible in mitigating Covid-19,” Caroline said to YOU.
The scientist says she decided to join the initiative after spending much of her time learning about the novel virus after it broke out in Wuhan, China.
“It hit me hard and I couldn’t stop shedding tears of sadness. Then I decided that I had to do something.
“Because of my passion for global health, medical research and ensuring we have a disease-free nation, I had the urge to come forward and contribute in any way possible to mitigate the effects of Covid-19.
“As a medical scientist with a background in working with one of the deadliest communicable diseases – drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) – and serving in a number of health and sciences organisations, it was only logical to help South Africa and the rest of the world fight the spread of the Covid-19,” she explained.
Being part of this scientific initiative, which focuses on putting the wider scientific community at the service of Covid-19 research, has been an eye-opening experience for Caroline.
“My experience has made me realise that sometimes we courageously make hard decisions and sacrifices that might put our lives at risk to volunteer and help wherever possible during tough times, such as the Covid-19 pandemic battle,” she said.
“Basically, I want to be the change I want to see happen in the world, by just helping our country and the world to fight and win the battle against Covid-19.”
Caroline further urged those in the medical and research field who are keen to actively play their part during this trying time to do so by signing up for the initiative.
“This initiative would like to get more medical and health sciences professionals on board and calls on those interested to volunteer their time and skills by signing up at https://crowdfightcovid19.org/.”