The Triangle

Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: News

Media Credit: James O’Neil

Barbara Hogan, the newly-appointed health minister for South Africa, spoke to Drexel students at the second-annual Jonathan Mann Health & Human Rights Memorial Lecture Nov. 12 about South Africa's health challenges and concerns as well as more global issues such as health and human rights.

Ahmed Kathrada, a political activist and prison confidante of Nelson Mandela, accompanied Minister Hogan.

"Barbara Hogan and Ahmed Kathrada are leaders in the global health community. We are honored to host them at our school, and provide the opportunity for our students to meet such important members of the public health and human rights community," Marla Gold, dean of Drexel's School of Public Health, said.

Students from the School of Public Health and other colleges were in attendance.

"I was not required to attend this lecture. I thought it was extremely well thought-out and not just another 'AIDS in South Africa' speech," Aleicia Phulwani, a sophomore biology major, said.

This was Hogan's first speech outside of South Africa since her appointment as a member of Cabinet. The annual lecture series was named for Jonathan Mann, the founding dean of the School of Public Health. Hogan was chosen to speak because she embodies Mann's spirit and passion for public health and human rights.

Both Hogan and Kathrada are political activists and leaders for justice, health, and human rights. They were both imprisoned for their anti-apartheid efforts and went on to serve as members of Parliament.

Drexel University interim provost Mark Greenberg awarded them with bronze dragons. The dragon stands for excellence, fortitude, leadership and courage, characteristics Hogan and Kathrada exemplify, according to Greenberg.

The Drexel University School of Public Health is the only school of public health in the greater Philadelphia region.

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