School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria

16/02/2026

Here is another success story from one of our graduates! Congratulations Thobeka!

For Thobeka Radebe, the decision to study medicine has been shaped by years of clinical practice, deep reflection, and a growing desire to understand health beyond the treatment room.

10/02/2026

Prof Tiaan de Jager spoke with Newzroom Channel 405 about the rising malaria cases in Limpopo and what communities can do to stay safe. Malaria remains a serious health risk in parts of South Africa awareness and prevention are key.

Watch the full interview here

University Pretoria’s Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control says it's ready to support government programmes to curb the increase in Malaria cases in Lim...

02/02/2026

https://bit.ly/3I5SJxz

03/12/2025

The School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) had the honour of hosting a delegation from the University of Eswatini on 02 December 2025.
The benchmarking visit created a valuable platform for sharing insights, strengthening collaboration, and exploring ways to advance public health training and research.

A truly meaningful and inspiring engagement!

01/12/2025

This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS to honour the lives lost, support those living with and affected by HIV, and challenge stigma wherever it exists.

05/11/2025

Congratulations to Mr. Tiaan Eksteen!

We are delighted to share that Mr. Tiaan Eksteen, Resource Mobilisation Manager in the School of Health Systems and Public Health, has been elected to serve as a Professional Services Representative on the University of Pretoria’s Institutional Forum (2025–2029).

The Institutional Forum is an important governance structure at the University of Pretoria that advises the University Council on key matters such as transformation, equity, institutional culture, and good governance.

Tiaan’s commitment to excellence and service makes him a valuable voice in this forum. Congratulations once again, and best wishes for a successful term.

28/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr Kuhlula Maluleke on being honoured at the 2025 Academic Achievers Awards for her NRF rating! Your dedication to excellence and impactful research is truly commendable.

20/10/2025

In case you missed it!

We were delighted to welcome Dr Tunde Ashaolu from the UK National Health Service (NHS) and York University to the School of Health Systems and Public Health.

This visit marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration to advance health data science and AI-driven diagnostics. Together, we aim to foster innovation, strengthen health systems, and co-create solutions that tackle Africa’s public health challenges.

16/10/2025

The University of Pretoria’s 36th Expert Lecture, delivered by Professor Olalekan (Lekan) Ayo-Yusuf, explored the complex dynamics of youth va**ng and cannabis co-use in South Africa.

Drawing on national survey data and global trends, the lecture examined whether rising substance use reflects policy gaps, emerging mental health challenges, or both and what this means for society and public health systems.

A big thank you to all attendees at Future Africa, for engaging in this important conversation.

13/10/2025

Dr. Ashley Burke from the UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control shares how innovation and collaboration are helping communities move closer to a malaria-free future

Watch her inspiring interview here

03/10/2025

International Students Day 2025: Honouring Maureen Chilufya’s Inspiring Journey at UP SHSPH

Maureen Chilufya’s journey as an international student at the University of Pretoria’s School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) has been transformative. Her PhD research explored the burden and integrated care of non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV—a critical area in global health.
She describes SHSPH as a welcoming environment, with supportive staff and students, modern facilities, and spaces that nurture both academic growth and wellbeing. Guided by inspiring mentors like Prof Alfred Musekiwa, Maureen completed her first major systematic review, published in EClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet Discovery Science series.

Today, Maureen continues to make an impact as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Lancet Commission on Disability and Health, leading research on mortality among children and adolescents with disabilities. She credits her time at UP SHSPH for equipping her with the knowledge, mentorship, and networks to pursue a career dedicated to evidence-based, inclusive global health research.

“I feel privileged to contribute to disability-inclusive health research and deeply grateful to SHSPH for laying a strong academic foundation,” says Maureen.