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Dr Wonderful T. Choga has solidified his place among Botswana’s most accomplished scientists by successfully defending his PhD in Medical Sciences at the University of Botswana. His research, carried out in collaboration with the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, focused on SARS-CoV-2 Evolution in Botswana. The groundbreaking work which explores the intersections of virology, bioinformatics and infectious disease genomics, places Botswana at the forefront of global health research.

Dr Choga’s academic journey demonstrates his dedication and brilliance. He holds a Master’s in Medicine, specialising in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town where he graduated cum laude. Currently serving as a bioinformatician at the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, he has played a key role in addressing some of the country’s most pressing health challenges. His contributions to genomic surveillance particularly in monitoring pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV and HBV, have been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives.

Over the course of his PhD, Dr Choga produced an impressive body of work, including seven (7) first-author publications with four (4) already published, one (1) accepted and two (2) under review. He also co-authored six (6) additional papers directly related to his thesis. Beyond his PhD, his academic portfolio is even more remarkable, with over 65 peer-reviewed publications including articles in high-impact journals such as Nature and Science. The works have garnered more than 2,800 citations, earning him an H-index of 11, a measure of his significant influence in the scientific community.

One of his most notable achievements was his team’s discovery of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, a historic moment in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The milestone earned Dr Choga and his colleagues the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service in 2023, a recognition of their outstanding contribution to science and public health.

Dr Choga’s impact extends beyond the laboratory. He is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists, supervising students in virology and teaching bioinformatics. His collaborative spirit has fostered partnerships with researchers locally and internationally while his expertise has supported projects aimed at understanding and mitigating the impact of infectious diseases.

A member of esteemed organisations such as the International Society for Computational Biology, South African Society of Human Genetics and Academy of Science of South Africa, Dr Choga embodies a dedication to advancing medical research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. His work reflects a vision of science that bridges borders and disciplines, addressing global health challenges with local solutions.