Emmanuel Taban

Dr. Taban’s journey began in rural South Sudan, where he was born into a life of extreme poverty and conflict. His childhood was marked by the violence of the South Sudanese Civil War, and at just 16 years old, he was forced to flee his homeland after the death of his father. What followed was a grueling trek across East Africa, as he sought refuge and the opportunity for an education. His travels took him through Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and eventually South Africa, where he finally began formal schooling at the age of 17.

It is difficult to fathom how someone could begin their education so late and still rise to become a leading figure in medicine. Dr. Taban defied the odds, driven by a desire to fulfill the promise of a better life. A nurse’s comment when he was seven years old that he would one day become a doctor stayed with him, serving as a beacon of hope throughout his arduous journey.

“The possibility of being able to survive beyond childhood was difficult to imagine—let alone being able to go to school.”

In South Africa, Dr. Taban’s academic career blossomed. He completed his secondary education with the help of charitable organizations, including Mercy House, and went on to study medicine at Medunsa University. His deep commitment to learning was fueled by a sense of responsibility to those around him, particularly to the people of his homeland and his fellow refugees.

After earning his medical degree, Dr. Taban specialized in internal medicine, with a focus on pulmonology—a field that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract. His decision to specialize in this area came from his experiences in South Africa, where he witnessed the devastating effects of lung disease, particularly in small mining towns in Mpumalanga. In these communities, the prevalence of asthma, tuberculosis, and pneumoconiosis—caused by chronic inhalation of dust—was exacerbated by poor air quality and the socioeconomic conditions of the population. Access to specialized care was limited, with many unable to afford the necessary treatment.

Dr. Taban’s personal experiences as a war refugee gave him a unique perspective on the hardships his patients faced. He understood what it meant to lack access to resources and opportunities, and this drove him to continue his studies and provide the highest level of care. His qualification as a pulmonologist was just the first step in his mission to make a difference. With the support of Mediclinic Highveld and Mediclinic Midstream, he was able to establish his own practice, offering expert care to patients in need.

“I have experienced how one person can make a huge difference in the direction one’s life could take. I see my practice as an opportunity to make a difference in my community.”

But Dr. Taban’s contributions extend beyond his practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his innovative approach to treating patients with hypoxaemia—severe oxygen deficiency—earned him international recognition. In a field where every second counts, Dr. Taban developed a novel technique for extracting mucus from the lungs, an intervention that proved life-saving for many critically ill patients. This groundbreaking work placed him at the forefront of the global fight against COVID-19 and highlighted his ability to think outside the box in the face of a crisis.

Despite his success, Dr. Taban has not forgotten his roots. He remains deeply committed to giving back to his community, providing pro bono primary healthcare services to patients in a Secunda retirement home and assisting with pulmonary function tests at Bethal Provincial Hospital. For Dr. Taban, being a doctor is not just about treating illness; it’s about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. He views his practice as an opportunity to provide hope and healing to those who need it most, especially those who, like him, have faced unimaginable adversity.

“I love this job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It brings out my personality and allows me to be everything that I want.”

As one of Africa’s most influential doctors, Dr. Taban embodies the spirit of resilience and the power of hope. His autobiography, The Boy Who Never Gave Up, published in 2021, reflects his incredible journey—a journey that has not only transformed his own life but has also had a profound impact on the lives of those he serves. Dr. Taban’s work as a physician, educator, and advocate for healthcare access and equity ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.