Two senior nurse academics from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Dr Andile Mokoena-de Beer and Dr Sophy Moloko, recently flew the South African flag high at the 36th International Nursing Research Congress, hosted by Sigma Theta Tau International in Seattle, USA. The congress, themed “Representing Nursing Globally Through Dissemination of Research and Evidence,” drew over 800 nurse leaders, researchers, and clinicians from around the world.
Mokoena-de Beer presented a paper exploring Navigating interpersonal connections: relationships of pregnant women following HIV diagnosis, while Moloko showcased findings from her study on caregivers’ involvement in childhood illness management in Limpopo’s Vhembe District. Their participation marked a significant step in amplifying African voices in global nursing discourse.
“Presenting at Sigma was a profound honour,” said Mokoena-de Beer. “It validated the importance of our research and allowed us to advocate for culturally sensitive psychosocial support for pregnant women diagnosed with HIV.”
Equally inspired, Moloko described the experience as a milestone: “It was humbling to share findings from rural Limpopo with a global audience. Our work underscores the value of community health education in managing child illnesses and reducing clinic burdens.”
Both presentations resonated deeply with delegates, sparking interest in cross-cultural comparisons of HIV-related stigma and collaborative projects targeting caregiver education. “We had discussions with researchers from Kenya, Botswana and the US,” Moloko added. “There’s strong interest in co-developing mobile health tools and literacy-based training for caregivers in rural communities.”
Mokoena-de Beer highlighted the universal relevance of their work: “The challenges we face — stigma, limited resources, disclosure trauma — echo across continents. Our findings offer lessons in resilience and innovation that can enrich global nursing practice.”
The SMU Nursing Science Department, under the leadership of Professor Deliwe Phetlhu and Professor Douglas Maleka (Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences), played a key role in supporting this global engagement. Through regular writing retreats, mentorship, and funding facilitation, the department fosters a robust research culture that empowers its academics to contribute meaningfully on international platforms.
“The university’s support allowed us to take SMU’s research footprint to a global level,” said Mokoena-de Beer. “Our colleagues and students were thrilled by our representation—it’s inspired others to aim higher.”
Looking ahead, both scholars are pursuing follow-up publications and implementation strategies. Mokoena-de Beer is finalising a third journal article and developing guidelines for healthcare workers to support pregnant women post-HIV diagnosis. Moloko aims to digitise IMCI training and create tailored educational materials for caregivers.
Summing up their experience, Moloko stated: “This congress reminded us that nursing research knows no borders. When grounded in community needs and driven by evidence, it has the power to transform health systems and individual lives alike.”
In their own words: Mokoena-de Beer: “A transformative platform where local stories ignited global dialogue.” Moloko: “A convergence of local expertise and global collaboration.”
SMU continues to shine as a beacon of African excellence in health sciences, proving that local research can have a profound global impact.
By Tumelo Moila
