Koleka Mlisana
Professor Koleka Mlisana is a South African leading figure in health research, with expertise in HIV, TB, and antimicrobial resistance. She is a passionate mentor and academic leader dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists and informing healthcare policy through her work on key advisory committees.[1]
Early Life and Education
Professor Mlisana's journey began in rural Eastern Cape where she grew up with three siblings under the care of her single mother. Despite challenges she thrived academically. After a setback with a leaked matric exam papershe had to rewrite some papers which unexpectedly led her to pursue medicine at the University of Natal. She faced another hurdle when she failed her second year but found the determination to continue ultimately qualifying as a Doctor.[2]
Career
Mlisana has been an Executive Manager for Academic Affairs Research and Quality Assurance at the National Health Laboratory Service since 2018.She previously worked as the head of Department at the Medical microbiology at UKZN IALCH and also served as an NHLS board member. She has over a decade of experience in HIV research working at the Center for The Aids program of research in South Africa(CAPRISA),she is now focused on TB diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, and sexually transmitted diseases. She is a prolific researcher with more than 130 publications and a dedicated mentor to young scientists. Currently she plays key roles in COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance advisory committees serving as Ministrial Advisory Committee and she is a Member of Board of Truestees for the South African National Aids council.[1]
Hiv in the nineties
She was part of a group of Scientists who were researching the mysteries of HIV in the 1990's looking for ways to destroy this severe life claiming disease. Mlisana was appointed Head of the HIV pathogenesis and Vacinne Research Programme under the AIDS Programme of Research in SOUTH Africa(CAPRISA). Her research topic was focused on understanding the body's response to acute HIV infection.[3]
Her research in those years was faced with a lot of public challenges like denial,stigmas,taboos,and political delay when antiretroviral(ARV) were prescibed as prevention of the disease.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 africanalliance@admin (2023-08-23). "Professor Koleka Mlisana, Executive Manager of Academic Affairs Research & Quality Assurance National Health Laboratory Service". African Alliance. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
- ↑ Ho, Ufrieda (2021-08-10). "Profile of women in health: Professor Koleka Mlisana". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ho, Ufrieda (2021-08-09). "Women in health: Mlisana on science and co-chairing SA's COVID-19 MAC". Spotlight. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
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