Patricia Lelo | Health Professions | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Patricia Lelo | Health Professions | Women Researcher Award

Doctor Pediatric Hospital of Kalembelembe Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Dr. Patricia Lelo is a dedicated medical doctor with a master’s in public health and specialized training in infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in mental health and sickle cell anemia, Dr. Lelo brings years of experience in pediatric care, infectious diseases, and public health research. She is known for her exemplary leadership and contributions to pediatric HIV/AIDS care in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Lelo has a master’s degree in public health and holds several certifications in infectious diseases management, including specialized training in pediatric HIV and tuberculosis. She is currently advancing her academic career as a Ph.D. candidate, focusing on mental health and sickle cell anemia.

Experience 🏥

Since 2004, Dr. Lelo has served as Executive Deputy Head of the Infectious and Chronic Diseases Department at Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital in Kinshasa, DRC. Her role includes overseeing care and treatment for children infected with and exposed to HIV/AIDS, managing opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, and sickle cell anemia in children. Additionally, she monitors and evaluates HIV/AIDS care programs and has worked as Assistant Coordinator for the SARA project, an initiative to expand HIV prevention and treatment services across DRC.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Lelo’s primary research interests include pediatric HIV, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease, and mental health. She is particularly passionate about improving outcomes for children affected by HIV/AIDS and TB, with a focus on comprehensive care and innovative approaches to disease management.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Lelo’s commitment to pediatric healthcare and infectious disease management has earned her recognition at both national and international levels. She has been a key contributor to training programs and projects that support HIV and TB care in children, underscoring her impactful contributions to global health.

Publications Top Notes:đź“š

Dr. Lelo has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles on topics such as pediatric HIV, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and the intersection of mental health with infectious diseases. Here are a few notable publications:

Transition to dolutegravir-based ART in 35 low-and middle-income countries: A global survey of HIV care clinics

Lessons Learned from the Impact of HIV Status Disclosure to Children after First-Line Antiretroviral Treatment Failure in Kinshasa, DR Congo

COVID-19 associated changes in HIV service delivery over time in Central Africa: Results from facility surveys during the first and second waves of the pandemic

HIV Disclosure to Infected Children Involving Peers: A New Take on HIV Disclosure in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mukovhe Rammela | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Mukovhe Rammela | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

PhD student in Public Health University of Venda South Africa

Mukovhe Rammela is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 8 years of experience in quality improvement, clinical coordination, and nursing mentorship. Currently serving as a District TB Quality Improvement Officer at IHPS, Johannesburg, she drives health system strengthening initiatives to improve service delivery in alignment with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2023–2028. With her strategic leadership and technical expertise, Mukovhe has contributed significantly to the integration of HIV, TB, and STI care into routine health services across multiple provinces in South Africa.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Mukovhe holds multiple advanced qualifications, showcasing her dedication to healthcare and leadership excellence:

  • MBA in Management from MANCOSA (2021).
  • Master’s in Public Health from the University of Venda (2020).
  • BCURP Honours in Nursing Sciences from the University of Venda (2016).
  • Advanced Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Research and Learning from the Foundation for Professional Development (2019).
  • Currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management at Stellenbosch University.

Experience đź’Ľ

Mukovhe has a wealth of professional experience across healthcare sectors:

  • District TB Quality Improvement Officer, IHPS, Johannesburg (2023–Present): Building capacity, standardizing tools, and mentoring facility teams.
  • District Nurse Coordinator, CDC Key Population Program, Northwest (2023): Managed diverse teams and integrated key population programs into routine health services.
  • Nurse Mentor, USAID-APACE Project, Limpopo (2022–2023): Led community-based teams and implemented quality improvement activities.

Research Interests 🔍

Mukovhe’s research focuses on integrating HIV, STI, and teenage pregnancy prevention programs into public health systems. She is passionate about health systems strengthening, quality improvement, and the implementation of sustainable care models to achieve global health targets.

Awards 🏆

  • 2022 National Research Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Award.
  • 2022 SACERT Scholarship for sustainable academic capacity building.
  • 2021 Cochrane South Africa Bursary Award.
  • 2018 NRF Masters Scholarship Award.

Publications Top Notes:đź“š

“An Integrated HIV, STI, and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Services in Africa: A Comprehensive Literature Review” – Presented at the University of Venda Research Symposium (2021).

[Cited by multiple articles on integrated health approaches].

“Development and Validation of an Integrated HIV and AIDS, STI, and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program in Limpopo Province” – Presented at Department of Health Provincial Research Day (2021).

[Recognized for its impact on public health policies].