Kwanele Asante, a South African lawyer and bioethicist, has dedicated two decades to advocating for patient-centered healthcare. Her journey began with a breast cancer diagnosis, which transformed her into a prominent voice for people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions. Asante's work has taken her from local health institutions in Soweto to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she delivered the lived-experience address at a global meeting on NCDs and mental health.
Asante's life has been defined by healthcare, from her birth in a TB sanatorium in Soweto in 1969. Her parents met at Charles Hurwitz, a TB hospital, and her early life was marked by poverty and challenges. Despite these difficulties, Asante's mother, Lerato Nokoane, played a crucial role in shaping her life. Nokoane was a tenacious woman who worked as a teacher and later as a prison officer to provide for her children.
Asante's educational journey was influenced by her experiences at Diphetogo Primary School, where she struggled in school and was labeled a "donkey" by one of her teachers. However, a teacher named Dineo Mpofu saw potential in her and took her under her wing, helping her to develop her cursive writing skills and confidence. This mentorship had a lasting impact on Asante's life, and she has since sought out similar guidance from other mentors and champions.
Asante's professional life has been marked by her advocacy for patient-centered healthcare. She has worked with various organizations, including the African Development Bank Group, and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of health. In 2012, she legally changed her name to Kwanele Asante-Shongwe, reflecting her growth and evolution as a person.
Recently, Asante faced new health challenges, including abdominal pain and surgery to remove an inflamed appendix. Her experiences have led her to reflect on the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Asante is currently in chronic treatment for chemotherapy-induced congestive heart failure, bipolar mood disorder, anxiety, and functional neurological disorder.
Asante's address at the UN General Assembly was a significant milestone in her career, and she was chosen to share her lived experience with a global audience. Her work has highlighted the need for healthcare systems to listen to patients and prioritize their needs. Asante's advocacy has also emphasized the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity.
Asante's story serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Her experiences have informed her work and driven her to continue pushing for patient-centered healthcare. Despite facing new health challenges, Asante remains committed to her advocacy work, inspiring others to join her in the fight for better healthcare systems.
Key points
- Kwanele Asante has spent 20 years advocating for patient-centered healthcare.
- Asante has faced numerous health challenges, including breast cancer, and is currently in chronic treatment for multiple conditions.
- Asante's work has taken her from local health institutions in Soweto to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
