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Conference Chair
Prof Mohlopheni Jackson Marakalala is a Director of the SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University. He completed his PhD at UCT and postdoctoral training at UCT and Harvard. His research focuses on TB immunopathogenesis, host-directed therapies, and mycobacterial survival strategies. Awards include the SAMRC Silver Medal, NRF Emerging Researcher Excellence Award, and recognition as a WEF Young Scientist and Next Einstein Forum Fellow.
Personal advice: Pursue research with local relevance, be resilient, and translate science into impact.
Conference Deputy chair
Dr Nkateko Mkhondo is a senior public health specialist with over 16 years’ experience in TB, HIV and related infectious diseases. She has provided strategic leadership in national TB research, guideline development and programme reviews, shaping evidence-based policy and practice in South Africa and several countries in the region. With experience spanning WHO, NGOs and public health facilities, she brings a comprehensive understanding of systems and implementation realities. Recently, her work has focused on patient-centred approaches that strengthen prevention and consider social and structural drivers, and co-morbidities. Dr Mkhondo holds an MBChB from the University of Pretoria, an MPH from Harvard University and a Diploma in HIV Management.
Dr Shaheed Vally Omar is Head of the Centre for Tuberculosis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD/NHLS), which includes the National and WHO Supranational TB Reference Laboratories. A medical scientist with over 15 years of experience, he focuses on Mycobacterium tuberculosis research, diagnostic evaluations, drug resistance determination, molecular epidemiology, and next-generation sequencing applications. Dr Omar has contributed to national and global TB policy guidance and facilitated the implementation of new TB diagnostics in routine laboratory practice.
Prof Kogieleum Naidoo is Deputy Director at CAPRISA and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is a leading TB–HIV researcher whose work has shaped global policies and treatment strategies. Prof Naidoo has published extensively and received multiple honors, including election to the African Academy of Sciences and the EDCTP Outstanding Female Scientist Award.
Dr Marian Loveday is a public health researcher at the South African Medical Research Council with expertise in TB, drug-resistant TB, and HIV. She has over 20 years of experience in South Africa’s public health system, using implementation research to evaluate national TB strategies and local interventions. Her work has influenced national and WHO policies, including guidelines for decentralized DR-TB care and treatment for pregnant women.
Dr Limakatso Lebina is Director for Clinical Trials at AHRI, specialising in epidemiology, implementation research, and clinical trial operations. She focuses on TB case finding, strengthening health systems, and producing high-impact evidence for decision-making.
Dr Mamothe Makgabo is a Senior Technical Specialist at the Aurum Institute with over 21 years of experience in TB. She holds multiple qualifications, including an MBChB, MPH, and advanced diplomas in HIV and health management. Dr Makgabo is an AHD Master Trainer, has presented at numerous conferences, and is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care.
Dr Priashni Subrayen is Project Director for Accelerate 1 at the Aurum Institute, leading major TB programme initiatives and health systems projects. Her work includes epidemiology, case-finding innovations, and implementing large-scale TB interventions.
Dr Rogerio Phili is the Executive Manager for Operations at SANAC, overseeing national TB, HIV, and community systems programmes. He specialises in human rights–based approaches, civil society engagement, and policy implementation to strengthen TB care.
Mr David Macana is a National TB Ambassador and advocate with lived experience of tuberculosis. He promotes patient-centred care, stigma reduction, treatment literacy, and meaningful community engagement in TB programmes.
CONTACTS
GENERAL QUERIES
Tel: +27 87 821 1109 / 012 110 4080
info@tbconference.co.za