“Die trying”

Bulela Vava

Organisation / Company

Wits University
Public Oral Health

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD), University of Pretoria, 2014
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dentistry, University of Pretoria, 2016
Currently completing a Master of Science in Dentistry (MDent )in Community Dentistry, University of the Witwatersrand
Additional Training and Short courses: Global Health, Stellenbosch University – Systems Change, University of Cape Town – Implementation Research, World Health Organization (WHO)

Represented South Africa as the sole delegate at the World Health Organization’s inaugural Global Oral Health Meeting, participating in a global panel advocating for the integration of oral health into non-communicable disease (NCD) frameworks
Selected for the first cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in South Africa, based at Tekano—an experience that affirmed the value of a journey from rural health to oral health advocacy
Founded the Public Oral Health Forum (POHF), a platform dedicated to advancing oral health policy and advocacy in South Africa, emerging from the Atlantic Fellowship experience
Presented South Africa’s oral health perspectives at the IADR international conference during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, addressing a global audience of leading scientists

Former president Thabo Mbeki is admired for his intellect, creativity and nuanced leadership—despite imperfections—offering a powerful example of visionary thinking in public service.
Prof Habib Benzian is held in high regard for a distinguished global career dedicated to advancing health equity and shaping policy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Over several years, Prof Benzian has provided consistent mentorship, offering guidance during critical professional junctures and facilitating access to global platforms often beyond reach for health professionals from the global South.