He explains: "The idea of serving as a volunteer was one that I didn't want to miss in my lifetime. So when I completed my Public Health Master’s studies at the University of Sydney in 2011, I searched for an overseas assignment in an area of HIV/AIDS, which I am passionate about. When I was offered a placement at Isibani via Australian International Volunteers in 2012, I felt I needed to expand my knowledge in the HIV field. This is when I started to search for universities that would enhance my HIV skills while I would be at Isibani. So during my search for a prospective HIV course, I came across the HIV/AIDS Management course which was offered by Stellenbosch University."

Leonard applied for a place in the HIV/AIDS Management programme and was accepted. He commenced his role at Isibane as an organisational capacity builder for HIV/AIDS in September 2012 and his studies at SU at the beginning of 2013. His studies started off with a mandatory first week of face-to-face interactions at SU, while the remainder of the studies was conducted online.

"To be offered a place at a prestigious university like SU was a dream come true," he said. "The course was very relevant to my situation and field work at Isibani. The emphasis on evidence-based thinking shaped my innovative and strategic thinking to manage the HIV/AIDS programmes at Isibani."

Leonard's roles at Isibani included setting up and developing new structures and data capturing of HIV surveillance for clients on HIV/AIDS treatment. He also initiated and implemented weekly home-based care and training of staff in primary case assessment.

"I consider my contributions to the Isibani community as one of the greatest achievements in my career thus far," he says.

He now works at the New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health's immunisation branch as a health manager and senior surveillance officer in Covid-19 programmes. He monitors Covid-19 adverse events following immunisation and prepares relevant reports for the organisation.

"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NSW Ministry of Health in Sydney, where I currently reside, had sought individuals with knowledge and understanding of immunisation policies and legislation impacting on current and emerging issues related to the Covid-19 vaccination programme. I had previously coordinated similar immunisation programmes and I felt this was another opportunity not to miss."

He says that having completed his MBA (Health Service Management) recently, has fuelled his desire to contribute more to the world in his areas of expertise in future.

"My ambition is to continue focusing on managing infectious diseases and to combat pandemics strategically for better outcomes."

The Zimbabwean-born Leonard, who moved to Australia in 2005, has nothing but gratitude for his wife who, he says, was very supportive of him volunteering in South Africa.

"When I was offered the opportunity to work on the Isibane project, my wife and two-year-old daughter had no hesitation in accompanying me. Family support is very important to me and it is the reason I am able to do what I do."