Increasingly we find pathogenic microorganisms becoming resistant to antibiotics. For example, numerous people across Africa are infected by multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) at an alarming rate. And while extensive research has been done in the field to find new antibiotics, there is much work to be done, especially in Africa and Asia, the worst to be affected.

Loftie’s was born and raised in Namibia, finishing his postgraduate education in South Africa. Over the last few years Loftie has been working in America focussing on “molecular mechanisms by which bacteria and plasmids adapt to each other.” Antibiotic resistance genes are often found on plasmids. As Africa and Asia will be the most affected by antibiotic resistant pathogens, Loftie (as a son of Africa) will trek across Africa for six months (more than 7500 km!). In doing so, he hopes to raise awareness by acting as an ambassador for Antibiotic Action across different university and research organisation, and of course, he to raise money to fund antibiotic research in Africa.

Please support him by either just sharing his story or donating to his cause. Please see his website for more information: http://www.cycling4science.org/