Celebrating women in healthcare: Professor Nombulelo Magula, a champion for Health
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honour the incredible achievements of women who have made remarkable contributions to various fields. One such inspiring figure is Professor Nombulelo Magula, a leader in internal medicine and a dedicated advocate for rural health.
Growing up in KwaMashu, Durban, Professor Magula saw firsthand the challenges faced by people from rural areas having to seek medical care in urban centres. This fuelled her determination to become a doctor and ultimately to specialise in internal medicine. With an international Master of Science degree in Clinical Research and a PhD focusing on the metabolic complications of antiretroviral therapy among South African patients, she is well positioned to impact health service delivery in our beloved country.
The start of the HIV epidemic marked a turning point in Professor Magula’s career, and her tenacious battle against the pandemic, especially in marginalised groups, began around this time. She remarks, “Many of these patients were friends I grew up with, went to school or church with,” underscoring her close personal connection to her profession.
In her current role as Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Magula is committed to training the next generation of healthcare professionals while collaborating with national and international bodies to enhance healthcare policies.
Professor Magula is a strong advocate for patient-centred care, which is the foundation of her medical approach. She highlights the importance of treating patients as complete people rather than just as illnesses, emphasising the necessity to arm them with information on early detection and prevention of diseases. Her work in the communities of Lamontville, Clairwood, Inanda, and Ngwelezana, where she has assisted in the implementation of programs that deliver healthcare services directly to those in need, has shown the greatest impact of this strategy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Magula led efforts across KwaZulu-Natal to support healthcare facilities, reinforcing her commitment to equitable healthcare. Her leadership during this time underscored the importance of accessible care for all communities.
Her current research initiatives are geared towards taking healthcare services directly to underserved communities, a project inspired by the lessons of the pandemic. “The project is about bringing services to the people, especially those in rural areas,” she explains, highlighting her ongoing commitment to service accessibility and patient empowerment.
Looking ahead, Professor Magula continues to work toward a more just and equitable healthcare system, focusing on bringing services directly to underserved areas. She encourages young professionals, especially women, to be resilient and committed to making a difference. “It is not an easy route to take but one of the most rewarding experiences comes from making a difference in the lives of those who are most disadvantaged, even if they will never know the sacrifices that you have made.”