Healthcare for sex workers and transgender people was on the rise—moving from the shadows of neglect and stigma into a future of inclusion, respect, and tailored care. We witnessed bold progress: dedicated services that prioritized HIV prevention, mental health, and gender-affirming care, finally meeting people where they are. But now, that progress is hanging by a thread. With the shutdown of most USG-funded programs, the future of these life-saving interventions is uncertain—and the most vulnerable are once again being left behind. In this talk, Rutendo Bothma, visiting scholar at the Duke Global Health Institute, draws on over a decade of frontline experience delivering care to South Africa’s most marginalized communities. She’ll share powerful stories from the field, unpack the real impact of the funding cuts, and ask the urgent question: What happens when the world turns its back on progress?

Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP, Please RSVP by 4/21.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Rutendo Bothma is the Technical Head and co-investigator of the Jabula Uzibone Study at Wits RHI in South Africa. The Jabula Uzibone study seeks to assess the implementation, effectiveness and cost of transgender-differentiated service delivery for viral suppression and prevention-effective adherence. With over a decade of experience in health programs for vulnerable populations, Rutendo is a trained pharmacist and holds an MPH from Wits University, where she is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health. She spearheaded South Africa’s first PrEP project for female sex workers and established the first USAID-funded transgender clinics in sub-Saharan Africa. Rutendo’s work bridges research, policy, and practice, influencing national technical working groups focused on LGBTQ+ and sex worker health. A skilled facilitator, she leads global discussions and is currently a visiting scholar at Duke Global Health Institute. Her work drives evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities.