Regina Esinam Abotsi (28), is pursuing a doctorate in medical microbiology at the University of Cape Town.
Regina grew up in Ghana to school-teacher parents who instilled in her the importance of education. Her parents went as far as to help children in the community gain education and often mentored and tutored them when they needed. This childhood experience inspired her to work for humanitarian causes later in her life. She was also lucky to have an older brother who motivated and challenged her to do her best in her academics endeavors.
Regina’s family fostered other children two of who suffered from asthma and other respiratory diseases. After watching them suffer with their breathing, she vowed she would try to help those burdened by the disease. This interest in respiratory diseases combined with her fascination with medicine led her to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in pharmacy. For her doctorate degree she is delving even deeper as her specialization is in respiratory diseases in HIV infected children.
Regina is dedicated to women and children’s health and it is evident in her community involvement. In Ghana, she worked as a pharmacist where she helped women receive education and resources for common illnesses. She was also involved in running community health outreach programs targeted to aid women and children. In addition, she is a mentor and role model to young girls studying in schools in Ghana.
Upon completion of her PhD, Regina plans to set up a sustainable organization that will offer health screening and educational program for women. Also, she plans to continue her mentoring by setting up a mentorship program for girls in disadvantaged communities.
